isolated and lonely at just the period in life when she most craved
appreciative understanding, and her intuitions led her to believe
that this stranger could both understand and respect her feelings.
His genial, kindly smile warmed her sore, lonely heart, and
convinced her that there was a world of human affections and simple
faith as well as of imperious wills and formal beliefs. His words in
regard to himself and the North was another shock to her confidence
in her uncle and aunt, and another proof that there was no good
reason for the marriage they were forcing upon her.

For a brief time she watched with keen-eyed interest to see if her
aunt would take any steps to have Aun' Jinkey's cabin searched. Her
mind was soon relieved on this score, for she became convinced that
her uncle was distracted by various anxieties; while Mrs. Baron,
from force of habit and with the purpose of diverting her mind from
all she feared, was pursuing her preparations with restless energy,
keeping every one in her employ as busy as herself. It was evident
that her niece's idle hands and perturbed wanderings to and fro
annoyed her, and at last she broke out: "Louise, it would be much
more becoming in you to unite with me in my efforts. The idea of
your sitting and idly bemoaning your case in that foolish old
woman's cabin! I'm glad you had the grace to show obedience to me
before her, for this is a time when to our people the example of
obedience is most necessary, and you should be the first to set it
in all respects. It will only increase the trouble which your uncle
and Perkins are having if our people see that you are rebellious.
There is much that you should be doing and seeing to, for your uncle
says that it may be best for you to leave the plantation with Mrs.
Whately and her son immediately after your marriage."