"I suppose not," and Mrs. Vance stifled a sigh. "If it really would help you, Richard."
"It really would, Dora. If Jeanne can carry these papers to New Orleans she is not only worth her weight in gold but she will do the government a great service. She is energetic, resourceful and self-reliant. I believe that she can get through without injury to herself or I should not consider the thing a moment. As she says, why should harm come to a girl? She would not be suspected where older people would be subjected to the most searching scrutiny. The more that I think of it, the more favorably does the idea strike me."
"Then I must consent," Mrs. Vance smiled faintly though her face was very white. "My country demands much of me, Richard."
"It does, Dora. But please God when this rebellion is put down we shall have such peace as the country has never enjoyed. Let us hope for the best, dear."
"When do I start, father?" broke in Jeanne.
"I think to-morrow night. The sooner the better. I will see about your transportation in the morning, and try to arrange to send you straight through. Now, little girl, you must say good-night because we must be up bright and early. There is a great deal to be done to-morrow."
"Good-night," said Jeanne obediently, and kissing each tenderly she retired to her room.
The next day passed all too quickly for the parents, but not for Jeanne. She went about her preparations with an uplifted mien and a solemnity of manner that at another time would have been amusing, but which under the circumstances went to her mother's heart.
"In this petticoat, dear, I have quilted the documents," said Mrs. Vance as she dressed her for her departure. "It may be a little heavy, but you need not wear so many skirts as you otherwise would, and perhaps it will not be too warm. See how nicely it holds out your dress. It almost answers the purpose of a pair of hoops."
"No, child. They are sometimes in the way, and as you have not yet learned to manage them well, it would be best not. Your frock hangs out in quite the approved style as it is."
Jeanne glanced down at her attire complacently.
"It does look stylish," she admitted. "I wonder if the rebel girls wear hoops."
"I dare say they do," answered the mother rather absently. Then overcome by a rush of emotion she caught the girl to her. "Oh, Jeanne, I wonder if I am doing right to let you go! What if some harm should come to you?"