"Jennie," he began seriously, "you are sure that you love the South?"
"Don't ask me idiotic questions," she answered sternly; "what are you driving at?"
"If I prove to you that the man to whom you have pledged your love is an impostor—"
She lifted her head in a gesture of cold protest.
"I thought we had settled that question."
"But you must listen to me," he went on with calm persistence. "If I prove to you that this man is a Federal spy—"
Jennie broke into a laugh.
"I can't get mad at you—you're such a big clumsy goose—"
"I said if I prove it—"
There was no mistaking the fact that he was in dead earnest.