against my best efforts for your safety. There! I'm too harassed,
too overwhelmed with weighty subjects for consideration, to discuss
this matter further. I must give my attention to securing some
papers of vital importance."

Miss Lou departed with the feeling that dangers were thickening on
every hand, and that she was only one of the causes for anxiety in
her uncle's mind. She knew it would be useless to say anything to
her aunt; and with a longing for a little sympathy and advice, she
resolved on another visit to her old mammy, Aun' Jinkey.

The Union soldier had a remote place in the background of her
thoughts, and yet she felt that it was preposterous to hope for
anything from him.




CHAPTER VIII

"WHEN?"


The vigilant eyes and constant demands of her mistress prevented
Zany from giving Chunk more than a few significant hints, but he was
quick to comprehend the situation. When he saw Miss Lou bending her
steps toward his granny's cottage, he thanked his stars that the
garden was in that direction also, and soon apparently was very busy
at a good point from which to observe the cabin. In view of the
approaching wedding Mrs. Baron had given Aun' Jinkey much to do, and