“My brother and I have come here to earn our living. We were born in Illinois and there father died when we were children. Our mother lived until a year ago, then she died suddenly. I had expected to teach school, but my brother’s health failed and the doctors thought that an entire change of climate might cure him. Mother still owned her father’s property in this county, so we came here, expecting to plant an orchard. My brother is much better, even in these few months. We have a fine garden and we have tried to sell our things, but wherever I have gone people have insulted me and advised me to leave. I thought that perhaps you could tell me what is the matter with us.” The old colonel raised both his hands. “On my life, young lady! I never heard of such a state of affairs. This is a pleasant, hospitable neighborhood. I was born here and have lived here all my life and I know it. What did you say your name is?” “My name is Elizabeth Scott. But it isn’t my name that excites them apparently; it’s the name of my grandfather.” “What was his name?” It seemed to Elizabeth before she answered that the expression of the kindly countenance had changed. A disturbing suspicion seemed to have entered Colonel Thomas’s mind. “John Baring,” said she. “John Baring!” repeated Colonel Thomas. “Oh, my dear young lady! John Baring!” “What did he do?” asked Elizabeth steadily. “You’ve never heard anything about him?” “Nothing. My mother was a quiet woman who spoke little about anything, but I am sure that she respected him and loved him. What did he do?” “Oh, young lady, you have asked me a hard question. I have a friendly feeling for you, I--” “That is the reason I came to you,” explained Elizabeth. “You looked at me in a friendly way.” “You seem like a young person of excellent common sense and composure. Do you wish me to tell you the whole truth?” “By all means!” “Will you come into the house? We might be interrupted here.” “Yes,” consented Elizabeth. Colonel Thomas led the way to a library whose walls were lined to the ceiling with books. If she had been less worried, Elizabeth would have exclaimed with delight. As it was, she gave a long sigh. Colonel Thomas took from a shelf a thick book. Elizabeth could see on its back the title “Recollections of a Confederate General.” Her heart stood still. Was their disgrace printed? What kind of disgrace could it be? “Sit down.” Elizabeth obeyed. “I should decline to tell you if it weren’t inevitable that you should know.” Even yet Colonel Thomas hesitated. “I’d rather know it quickly, sir.” Colonel Thomas began to speak as rapidly as Elizabeth could wish. “There was a certain fact long gossiped about in this county. It was said that John Baring had given the Confederates valuable aid when they came here and that he had even guided them a part of the way. Before that his neighbors had never dreamed that he was anything but loyal.”