She returned the salutation with a firm voice, and rode onward, but at a little distance could not resist the temptation to turn and look backward.

To her horror the scout had stopped, half-turned his horse, and was watching her as if debating whether or not to come back after her.

She yielded to the impulse of fear, struck her mare a stinging blow, and the animal flew away.
Her fright subsided as she heard no hoof-beats following her, and when she raised her eyes, she saw that she was approaching the village of Lavergne, half-way to Murfreesboro, and that a party of Rebel cavalry were moving toward her.

She felt less tremor at this first sight of the armed enemy than she had expected, after her panic over the scout, and rode toward the horsemen with perfect outward, and no little inward composure.
The Lieutenant in command raised his hat with the greatest gallantry.
"Good morning, Miss.

From the city, I suppose ?" he inquired.
"Yes," she answered in tones as even as if speaking in a parlor; "fortunately, I am at last from the city.