action, such action should be in harmony with previous purpose to
the extent of his power. The plan, therefore, of marrying his niece
immediately to her cousin doubly commended itself to him. It would
throw around her additional safeguards and relieve him in part from
a heavy responsibility; it would also consummate one of the
cherished intentions of his life. Things might take a happy turn for
the better, and then just so much would be gained and accomplished.

Thus he reasoned, and his nephew spared no pains in confirming his
views. The truth urged by his niece that she did not love her cousin
seemed a small matter to the unemotional, legal mind of the old man
when safety and solid interests were concerned. "A child like
Louise," he said, "must be taken care of, not humored." Mrs. Baron
had long since formed the habit of yielding complete deference to
her husband, and now was sincerely in accord with his views. She had
never had much heart; her marriage had satisfied her ambition, had
been pleasing to her kith and kin, and she saw no good reason why
her niece should not, under any circumstances, form a similar union.
That the girl should revolt now, in the face of such urgent
necessity, was mere perverseness. Sharing in her husband's anxieties
and fears, she found solace and diversion of mind in her beloved
housekeeping. Neither of the old people had the imagination or
experience which could enable them to understand the terror and
distress of their niece, whom with good intentions they were driving
toward a hated union.

Dinner was served two hours later than usual--a fact in itself very
disturbing to Mr. Baron; while Aun' Suke, compelled to cook again
for the Confederate troopers, was in a state of suppressed
irritation, leading her satellites to fear that she might explode.