"I assure you, Louise, that he regrets his act as much as you can. You should, in charity, remember his great provocation."
"Well, then," Miss Lou burst out, "let him make amends. Here I am, a defenceless girl, with all my kindred against me. He should be the first to defend me."
"So he wishes to do, my dear; and he only craves the most sacred right to defend you."
"Yes, in his own way, and without any regard to my feelings and wishes."
"Indeed, my dear, you misjudge him. You have only to yield one point in order to make him a slave to your wishes."
"But that is yielding everything. Oh, aunt, how can you urge a girl toward a loveless marriage?"
"Now, my dear, just listen patiently to me for a few moments," began Mrs. Whately in a wheedling tone. "I am older than you are. I know young girls are apt to have romantic notions, but when they reach my age they find that it is ever best to act in view of good and sufficient reasons. Apart from the terrible emergency that is upon us, you know that we all have had our hearts set on this marriage almost ever since you were born, and we have made no secret of the fact. It would be a terrible disappointment to us if it should not take place. I fear that life has been too strict and narrow for you here, but you know that in my home you will dwell in an atmosphere of kindness and indulgence. I will give up to you whenever you are ready to take the reins after these sore troubles are over. But, Louise, you do not realize that we are in the midst of a terrible emergency. You ought not to remain here. Madison has arranged that we both go south to his cousin Sam's."
"I don't wish to go!" cried the girl, wringing her hands.
"Now, my dear, can't you just believe that we, who are more experienced and know the danger, wish to do what is best for you and what you will soon see was best?"
"No, I cannot! I cannot! I just feel that I can't marry my cousin without perjuring myself."