"
But I was not prepared in this case with my answer.
"Suppose we were unjustly attacked?" — said Mr. Thorold; and I
thought every one of the gilt buttons on his grey jacket
repelled the idea of a peaceable composition.
"I don't know," — said I, pondering. "Why should the rule be
different for nations and for individual people?"
"What is your rule for individual people?" he asked, laughing,
and looking down at me, as he held the gate open. I can see
the look and the attitude now.
"It is not my rule," I said.
"_The_ rule, then. What should a man do, Miss Randolph, when he
is unjustly attacked?"
I felt I was on very untenable ground, talking to a soldier.
If I was right, what was the use of his grey coat, or of West
Point itself. We were mounting the little steep pitch beyond
the gate, where the road turns; and I waited till I got upon
level footing. Then catching a bright inquisitive glance of
the hazel eyes, I summoned up my courage and spoke.
"I have no rule but the Bible, Mr. Thorold.
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