ology is therefore needless, if not insulting to our
misfortunes."

"Well, madam," returned Wilford, in the same respectful tone, "I did not
mean to offend you, and regret that I have done so through mistaken
kindness. May I add that, in common with the rest of the army, I deplore
the necessity which has compelled us to resort to such harsh means
towards yourselves, in order to ensure success and safety."

"I deeply sympathize with you in your profound regret," said Mrs.
Ballard, ironically. "But pray tell me, sir, if you learned this very
novel and chivalric mode of warfare from the savages with whom you have
been contending, or is it the result of General Bacon's remarkable
military genius?"

"It is the result of the stern necessity under which we rest, of coping
with a force far superior to our own. And I trust that while your
ladyships can suffer but little inconvenience from our course, you will
not regret your own cares, if thereby you might prevent an effusion of
blood."

"Oh, that is it," replied Mrs. Ballard, in the same tone of withering
irony. "I confess that I was dull enough to believe that the
self-constituted, self-styled champions of freedom had courage enough to
battle for the right, and not to screen themselves from danger, as a
child will seek protection behind its mother's apron, from the attack of
an enraged cow."

"Madam, I will not engage in an encounter of wits with you. I will do
you but justice when I say that few would come off victors in such a
contest. But I have a message from one of our officers to this young
lady, I believe, which I was instructed to reserve for her private ear."

"There is no need for a confidential communication," said Virginia
Temple, "as I have no secret which I desire to conceal from my mother
and these companions in misfortune. If, therefore, you have aught to
say to me, you may say it here, or else leave it unexpressed."

"As you please, my fair young lady," returned Wilford. "My message
concerns you alone, but if you do not care to conceal it from your
companions, I will deliver it in their presence. Major Thomas Hansford
desires me to say, that if you would allow him the honour of an
interview of a few moments, he would gladly take the opportunity of
explaining to you the painful circumstances by which you are surrounded,
in a manner which he trusts may meet with your approbation."

"Say to Major Thomas Hansford," replied Virginia, proudly, "that, as I