missed from the breakfast table at Ashlands on the morning
after the raid upon Ion. His aunt sent a servant to his room to see if
he had overslept himself.

The man returned with the report that "Marse George" was not there and
that his bed had certainly not been occupied during the night.

Still as his movements were at all times rather uncertain, and the
ladies, having had no communication with the Oaks or Ion on the
previous day, were in ignorance of all that had transpired there, his
absence occasioned them no particular anxiety or alarm. The meal went
on, enlivened by cheerful chat.

"Mamma," said Herbert, "it's a lovely morning: do give us a holiday and
let's drive over to the Oaks; we haven't seen Aunt Rose and the rest for
ever so long."

The other children joined in the petition; grandma put in a word of
approval, and mamma finally consented, if the truth were told nothing
loth to give, or to share the treat.

The carriage was ordered at once, and they set out shortly after leaving
the table.

Arrived at their destination they found Mrs. Murray on the veranda,
looking out with an eager, anxious face.

"Ah!" she said, coming forward as the ladies alighted, "I didna
expect--my sight is no so keen as in my younger days, and I thocht till
this moment 'twas Mr. Dinsmore's carriage, bringing them hame again
after their dreadfu' nicht at Ion."

Both ladies turned pale, and old Mrs. Carrington leaned heavily upon her
daughter-in-law for support. Her lips moved but no sound same from them,
and she gasped for breath.

"Oh tell us!" cried Sophie, "what, what has happened?"

The children too were putting the same question in varying tones and
words.

"The Ku Klux," faltered the housekeeper. "An' ye hadna heard aboot it,
my leddies?"

"No, no, not a word," exclaimed Sophie, "but see, my mother is fainting.
Help me to carry her into the house."

"No, no, I can walk: I am better now, thank you," said Mrs. Carrington,
in low, faltering tones, "Just give me the support of your arm, Mrs.
Murray."

They led her in between them, and laid her on a sofa.

"And that's where George was!" she sighed, closing her eyes wearily.
Then half starting up, "Tell me, oh tell me, was--was--Mr. Travilla
injured?"

"No, my leddy, he had been warned, and was ready for them."

"Thank God! thank God!" came faintly from the white quivering lips, as
she sank back upon her pillow again, and two great tears stealing from
beneath