ird morning of our travellers' sojourn had arrived, and Mildred
thought of taking leave of the friendly family, the first announcement
of this purpose was met by an almost positive prohibition.

"You are young, my dear," said the matron, "in your experience of the
horrors of this civil war, and make a sad mistake if you think that your
sex, or any sufficient reason you may have to justify you in going on,
will protect you against insult, in case you should be so unfortunate as
to meet parties of the enemy."

"My object, madam," replied Mildred, "is to go into the very heart of
the enemy's ranks. My business is to see Lord Cornwallis himself. I
shall, therefore, proceed directly to his head-quarters. That being my
purpose, I shall not regret the opportunity to throw myself upon the
protection of the first band of loyal troops I may meet."

"Into Lord Cornwallis's presence!" said Mrs. Markham, with an expression
of wonder. "You have some very near friend who has suffered in the late
battle--a prisoner, perhaps?" As this question escaped the lips of the
lady, who had hitherto purposely forborne to inquire into the private
history of Mildred's journey, she shook her head distrustfully, and,
after some deliberation, added, "You will pardon me, my child, for what
may seem to be an idle curiosity--I seek to know nothing that you may
desire to keep secret--but your journey is so full of hazard to one so
young and helpless as yourself, that I fear you have not wisely
considered the evil chances to which you may be exposed."

"I have spent no thought upon the hazard, madam," replied Mildred.
"There is no degree of danger that should outweigh my resolution. You
guess truly--I have a friend who is a prisoner, and in sad jeopardy--and
more than that, dear madam, I have persuaded myself that I have power to
save him." A tear started in her eye as she added, "That is all I have
thought of."

"Then may a kind and merciful Heaven shield you! They little know the
heart-rending trials of war, who have not felt them as I have. These
rude soldiers, Miss Lindsay--I shudder at the thought of your trusting
your safety to them."

"My name, madam," replied Mildred, "I am ashamed to tell you, has all
its associations on their side--I must trust to its power to bear me
through."

"Not all, sister," interrupted Henry. "From the beginning up to this
day, I can answer for myself, I have never had a thought that didn't
take sides against the r