I roused myself and said we had had a pretty brisk ride, and I
had not been on horseback in a long time; which was true and I
felt it.
"Has it been too much for you?" he said, with a change of
tone.
I disclaimed that.
"These war-shows make you thoughtful?"
"They give me something to think about."
"They need not."
"How can they help it?"
"Daisy, I am confident there is not the slightest danger to
Washington. Do you think I would have brought you into
danger?"
"Oh, I am not thinking of danger to myself!" I exclaimed. "I
am not afraid in that way."
"For the country, are you afraid?"
"Dr. Sandford, do you think there is real danger to the
country?" I asked.
"The South will do what they can."
"Do you expect the North will be able to stand against them?"
"You do not," - he said smiling.
"I know nothing about it," I said; "or at least, I know very
little of what the North can do. Of course, I know some
Northern soldiers will fight as well as any; but, do you
think, Dr. Sandford, they can stand - the greater part of them
- do you think they can meet the bravery and skill of the
South and get the better?"
I asked anxiously. Dr. Sandford's brow grew grave.
"Daisy, I don't know, as you say; but I have lived among the
Northern people in my life; and when a Yankee 'takes a
notion,' he is as tough a customer as ever I wish to have to
deal with."