"Yes, yes," cried her son, "I insist on mother's managing. She has
always obtained what I wanted, and I shall certainly throw my life
away if I don't marry Cousin Lou."

"Madison," said his mother, tearfully, "am I, who have so loaded you
with kindness, of no account?"

"Oh, forgive me, mother, I can't do anything but blunder to-night.
I'm all broken up, distracted by conflicting duties and feelings. I
picked up important information this evening. The Yankee column,
halting in the rich valley to the northwest, have been ranging the
country far and near, loading their wagons and resting their horses.
They will make a move soon, and will come this way just as likely as
not. Our forces are coming up from the South, and there certainly
will be a fight soon somewhere in this region. I received a secret
despatch at the court-house, after seeing the minister, who will be
here early to-morrow evening. After the wedding I intend to escort
mother and my wife south to Cousin Sam Whately's. They certainly
will be out of the Yankee line of march there. Perhaps you and aunt
had better go too."

"No," said Mr. Baron. "I intend to stay and face it out here. I
shall stand or fall on my own hearth."

"And I shall remain with my husband," added Mrs. Baron, firmly.

"Well, nothing worse may happen than a general sack of the place,
but I cannot leave mother and the girl who is to be my wife. I shall
ride over to our place in the morning for the best horse on it, and
to see the overseer. I'll bring back a few papers which I will put