KERCHIVAL. I hope they won't wait for breakfast until the bombardment begins.
GERTRUDE. I'll bet you an embroidered cigar-case, Lieutenant, against a box of gloves, that it will begin in less than an hour.
KERCHIVAL. Done! You will lose the bet. But you shall have the gloves; and one of the hands that go inside them shall be—[Taking one of her hands; she withdraws it.
GERTRUDE. My own—until some one wins it. You don't believe thatGeneral Beauregard will open fire on Fort Sumter this morning?
KERCHIVAL. No; I don't.
GERTRUDE. Everything is ready.
KERCHIVAL. It's so much easier to get everything ready to do a thing than it is to do it. I have been ready a dozen times, this very night, to say to you, Miss Gertrude, that I—that I—[Pauses.
GERTRUDE. [Looking down and tapping skirt with her whip.] Well?
KERCHIVAL. But I didn't.
GERTRUDE. [Glancing up at him suddenly.] I dare say, GeneralBeauregard has more nerve than you have.
KERCHIVAL. It is easy enough to set the batteries around CharlestonHarbour, but the man who fires the first shot at a woman—
GERTRUDE. Woman!
KERCHIVAL. At the American flag—must have nerves of steel.
GERTRUDE. You Northern men are so slow to—
KERCHIVAL. I have been slow; but I assure you, Miss Gertrude, that my heart—
GERTRUDE. What subject are we on now?
KERCHIVAL. You were complaining because I was too slow.
GERTRUDE. I was doing nothing of the kind, sir!—let me finish, please. You Northern men are so slow to believe that our Southern heroes—Northernmenand Southernheroes—you recognize the distinction I make—you won't believe that they will keep their promises. They have sworn to attack Fort Sumter this morning, and—they—will do it. This "American Flag" you talk of is no longer our flag: it is foreign to us!—It is the flag of an enemy!
KERCHIVAL. [Tenderly and earnestly.] Am I your enemy?
GERTRUDE. You have told me that you will return to the North, and take the field.
KERCHIVAL. Yes, I will. [Decisively.
GERTRUDE. You will be fighting against my friends, against my own brother, against me. Weshallbe enemies.
KERCHIVAL. [Firmly.] Even that, Gertrude—[She looks around at him; he looks squarely into her eyes as he proceeds.]—if you will have it so. If my country needs my services, I shall not refuse them, though it makes us enemies! [She wavers a moment, under strong emotion, and turns away; sinks upon the seat, her elbow on the back of it, and her tightly-clenched fist against her cheek, looking away from him.
GERTRUDE. I will have it so! I am a Southern woman!
KERCHIVAL. We have more at stake between us, this morning, than a cigar-case and a box of gloves. [Turning up stage.
EnterMRS. HAVERILLfrom apartment.
MRS. HAVERILL. Mr. West! I've been looking for you. I have a favour to ask.
KERCHIVAL. Of me?—with pleasure.
MRS. HAVERILL. But I am sorry to have interrupted you and Gertrude. [Apart.] There are tears in your eyes, Gertrude, dear!
GERTRUDE. [Apart.] They have no right there.
MRS. HAVERILL. [Apart.] I'm afraid I know what has happened. A quarrel! and you are to part with each other so soon. Do not let a girl's coquetry trifle with her heart until it is too late. You remember the confession you made to me last night?
GERTRUDE. [Apart.] Constance! [Starting.] That is my secret; more a secret now than ever.
MRS. HAVERILL. [Apart.] Yes, dear; but you do love him. [GERTRUDEmoves away.
GERTRUDE. You need not ride over with me, Mr. West.
KERCHIVAL. I can be ready in one moment.
GERTRUDE. I choose to go alone! Old Pete will be with me; and Jack, himself, is a charming companion.
KERCHIVAL. If you prefer Jack's company to mine—
GERTRUDE. I do. [Exit on veranda and down right.
KERCHIVAL. Damn Jack! But you will let me assist you to mount. [Exit after her.
MRS. HAVERILL. We leave for the North before noon, but every hour seems a month. If my husband should learn what happened in my room to-night, he would kill that man. What encouragement could I have given him? Innocence is never on its guard—but, [Drawing up.] the last I remember before I fell unconscious, he was crouching before me like a whipped cur! [Starts as she looks out of the window.] There is Mr. Thornton now—Ah! [Angrily.] No,—I must control my own indignation. I must keep him and Colonel Haverill from meeting before we leave Charleston. Edward Thornton would shoot my husband down without remorse. But poor Frank! I must not forget him, in my own trouble. I have but little time left to care for his welfare.
Re-enterKERCHIVAL.
KERCHIVAL. You said I could do you a favour, Mrs. Haverill?
MRS. HAVERILL. Yes, I wanted to speak with you about GeneralHaverill's son, Frank. I should like you to carry a message toCharleston for me, as soon as it is light. It is a sad errand. Youknow too well the great misfortune that has fallen upon my husband inNew York.
KERCHIVAL. His only son has brought disgrace upon his family name, and tarnished the reputation of a proud soldier. Colonel Haverill's fellow-officers sympathize with him most deeply.
MRS. HAVERILL. And poor young Frank! I could hardly have loved the boy more if he had been my own son. If he had not himself confessed the crime against the bank, I could not have believed him guilty. He has escaped from arrest. He is in the city of Charleston. I am the only one in all the world he could turn to. He was only a lad of fourteen when his father and I were married, six years ago; and the boy has loved me from the first. His father is stern and bitter now in his humiliation. This note from Frank was handed to me while the company were here last evening. I want you to find him and arrange for me to meet him, if you can do it with safety. I shall give you a letter for him.
KERCHIVAL. I'll get ready at once; and I will do all I can for the boy. [Turning.
MRS. HAVERILL. And—Mr. West! Gertrude and Madeline have told me that—that—I was under obligations to you last evening.
KERCHIVAL. Don't mention it. I merely ran for them, and I—I'm very glad you didn't choke—before they reached you. I trust you are quite well now?
MRS. HAVERILL. I am entirely recovered, thank you. And I will ask another favour of you, for we are old friends. I desire very much that General Haverill should not know that—that any accident occurred to me to-night—or that my health has not been perfect.
KERCHIVAL. Certainly, madam!
MRS. HAVERILL. It would render him anxious without cause.
KERCHIVAL [Aside.] It looks as if Robert was right; she doesn't want the two men to meet.
EnterHAVERILL.A white silk handkerchief is in his hand.
HAVERILL. Constance, my dear, I've been all over the place looking for you. I thought you were in your room. But—by the way, Kerchival, this is your handkerchief; your initials are on it. [KERCHIVALturns and stares at him a second. MRS. HAVERILLstarts slightly and turns front. HAVERILLglances quickly from one to the other, then extends his hands towardKERCHIVAL,with the handkerchief. KERCHIVALtakes it. MRS. HAVERILLdrops into chair.
KERCHIVAL. Thank you. [He exits with a quick glance back.HAVERILLlooks atMRS. HAVERILL,who sits nervously looking away. He then glances afterKERCHIVAL.A cloud comes over his face, and he stands a second in thought. Then, with a movement as if brushing away a passing suspicion, he smiles pleasantly and approachesMRS. HAVERILL;leans over her.
HAVERILL. My fair Desdemona! [Smiling.] I found Cassio's handkerchief in your room. Have you a kiss for me? [She looks up; he raises her chin with a finger and kisses her.] That's the way I shall smother you.
MRS. HAVERILL. [Rising and dropping her head upon his breast.]Husband!
HAVERILL. But what is this they have been telling me?
MRS. HAVERILL. What have they said to you?
HAVERILL. There was something wrong with you in the early part of the evening; you are trembling and excited, my girl!
MRS. HAVERILL. It was nothing, John; I—I—was ill, for a few moments, but I am well now.
HAVERILL. You said nothing about it to me.
MRS. HAVERILL. Do not give it another thought.
HAVERILL. Was there anything besides your health involved in the affair? There was. [Aside.] How came this handkerchief in her room?
MRS. HAVERILL. My husband! I do not want to say anything more—at—at present—about what happened to-night. There has never been a shadow between us—will you not trust me?
HAVERILL. Shadow! You stand in a bright light of your own, my wife; it shines upon my whole life—there can be no shadow there. Tell me as much or as little as you like, and in your own time. I am sure you will conceal nothing from me that I ought to know. I trust my honour and my happiness to you, absolutely.
MRS. HAVERILL. They will both be safe, John, in my keeping. But there is something else that I wish to speak with you about; something very near to your heart—your son!
HAVERILL. My son!
MRS. HAVERILL. He is in Charleston.
HAVERILL. And not—in prison? To me he is nowhere. I am childless.
MRS. HAVERILL. I hope to see him to-day; may I not take him some kind word from you?
HAVERILL. My lawyers in New York had instructions to provide him with whatever he needed.
MRS. HAVERILL. They have done so, and he wants for nothing; he asks for nothing, except that I will seek out the poor young wife—only a girl herself—whom he is obliged to desert, in New York.
HAVERILL. His marriage was a piece of reckless folly, but I forgave him that.
MRS. HAVERILL. I am sure that it was only after another was dependent on him that the debts of a mere spendthrift were changed to fraud—and crime.
HAVERILL. You may tell him that I will provide for her.
MRS. HAVERILL. And may I take him no warmer message from his father?
HAVERILL. I am an officer of the United States Army. The name which my son bears came to me from men who had borne it with honour, and I transmitted it to him without a blot. He has disgraced it, by his own confession.
MRS. HAVERILL.Icannot forget the poor mother who died when he was born; her whose place I have tried to fill, to both Frank and to you. I never saw her, and she is sleeping in the old graveyard at home. But I am doing what she would do to-day, if she were living. No pride—no disgrace—could have turned her face from him. The care and the love of her son has been to me the most sacred duty which one woman can assume for another.
HAVERILL. You have fulfilled that duty, Constance. Go to my son! I would go with you, but he is a man now; he could not look into my eyes, and I could not trust myself. But I will send him something which a man will understand. Frank loves you as if you were his own mother; and I—I would like him to—to think tenderly of me, also. He will do it when he looks at this picture. [Taking a miniature from his pocket.
MRS. HAVERILL. Of me!
HAVERILL. I have never been without it one hour, before, since we were married. He will recognize it as the one that I have carried through every campaign, in every scene of danger on the Plains; the one that has always been with me. He is a fugitive from justice. At times, when despair might overcome him, this may give him nerve to meet his future life manfully. It has often nerved me, when I might have failed without it. Give it to him, and tell him that I send it. [Giving her the miniature.] I could not send a kinder message, and he will understand it. [Turning, stands a moment in thought.THORNTONappears at window, looking at them quietly over his shoulder, a cigar in his hand.MRS. HAVERILLsees him and starts with a suppressed breath, then looks atHAVERILL,who moves left. Aside.] My son! My son! We shall never meet again! [Exit in thought.
MRS. HAVERILLlooks after him earnestly, then turns and looks at THORNTON, drawing up to her full height.THORNTONmoves up stage, beyond window.
MRS. HAVERILL. Will he dare to speak to me again? [EnterTHORNTON;he comes down quietly. He has thrown away cigar.
THORNTON. Mrs. Haverill! I wish to offer you an apology.
MRS. HAVERILL. I have not asked for one, sir!
THORNTON. Do you mean by that, that you will not accept one?
MRS. THORNTON. [Aside] What can I say? [Aloud.] Oh, Mr.Thornton!—for my husband's sake, I—
THORNTON. Ah! You are afraid that your husband may become involved in an unpleasant affair. Your solicitude for his safety, madame, makes me feel that my offense to-night was indeed unpardonable. No gentleman can excuse himself for making such a mistake as I have made. I had supposed that it was Lieutenant Kerchival West, who—
MRS. HAVERILL. What do you mean, sir?
THORNTON. But if it is your husband that stands between us—
MRS. HAVERILL. Let me say this, sir: whatever I may fear for my husband, he fears nothing for himself.
THORNTON. He knows? [Looking at her, keenly.] [EnterKERCHIVAL WEST,now in riding suit.] [He stops, looking at them.] You are silent. Your husband does know what occurred to-night; that relieves my conscience. [Lightly.] Colonel Haverill and I can now settle it between us.
MRS. HAVERILL. No, Mr. Thornton! My husband knows nothing, and, I beg of you, do not let this horrible affair go further. [SeesKERCHIVAL.
KERCHIVAL. Pardon me. [Stepping forward.] I hope I am not interrupting you. [Aside.] ItwasThornton. [Aloud.] You said you would have a letter for me to carry, Mrs. Haverill.
MRS. HAVERILL. Yes, I—I will go up and write it at once. [Crosses; stops and looks back. Aside.] I wonder how much he overheard.
KERCHIVAL. [Quietly.] I suppose eight o'clock will be time enough for me to go?
MRS. HAVERILL. Oh, yes! [Glancing at him a moment.]—quite.
[Exit, through apartment.
KERCHIVAL. [Quietly.] Mr. Thornton! you are a scoundrel! Do I make myself plain?
THORNTON. You make the fact that you desire to pick a quarrel with me quite plain, sir; but I choose my own quarrels and my own enemies.
KERCHIVAL. Colonel Haverill is my commander, and he is beloved by every officer in the regiment.
THORNTON. On what authority, may I ask, do you—
KERCHIVAL. The honour of Colonel Haverill's wife is under our protection.
THORNTON. Under your protection? You have a better claim than that, perhaps, to act as her champion. Lieutenant Kerchival West is Mrs. Haverill's favourite officer in the regiment.
KERCHIVAL. [Approaching him.] You dare to suggest that I—
THORNTON. If I accept your challenge, I shall do so not because you are her protector, but my rival.
KERCHIVAL. Bah! [Striking him sharply on the cheek with glove. The two men stand facing each other a moment.] Is it my quarrel now?
THORNTON. I think you are entitled to my attention, sir.
KERCHIVAL. My time here is limited.
THORNTON. We need not delay. The Bayou La Forge is convenient to this place.
KERCHIVAL. I'll meet you there, with a friend, at once.
THORNTON. It will be light enough to see the sights of our weapons in about one hour. [They bow to each other, andTHORNTONgoes out.
KERCHIVAL. I've got ahead of Bob.
GERTRUDE. [Without.] Whoa! Jack! Old boy! Steady, now—that's a good fellow.
KERCHIVAL. She has returned. Imustknow whether Gertrude Ellingham loves me—before Thornton and I meet. He is a good shot.
GERTRUDE. [Without, calling.] O-h! Pete! You may take Jack to the stable. Ha—ha—ha! [Appears at window. ToKERCHIVAL.] Old Pete, on the bay horse, has been doing his best to keep up with us; but Jack and I have led him such a race! Ha—ha—ha—ha! [Disappearing beyond the window.
KERCHIVAL. Does she love me?
GERTRUDE. [Entering and coming down.] I have the very latest news from the headquarters of the Confederate Army in South Carolina. At twenty minutes after three this morning General Beauregard sent this message to Major Anderson in Fort Sumter: "I shall open fire in one hour!" The time is up!—and he will keep his word! [Turning and looking out of the window.KERCHIVALmoves across to her.
KERCHIVAL. Gertrude! I must speak to you; we may never meet again; but I must know the truth. I love you. [Seizing her hand.] Do you love me? [She looks around at him as if about to speak; hesitates.] Answer me! [She looks down with a coquettish smile, tapping her skirt with her riding whip.] Well? [A distant report of a cannon, and low rumbling reverberations over the harbour.GERTRUDEturns suddenly, looking out.KERCHIVALdraws up, also looking off.
GERTRUDE. A low—bright—line of fire—in the sky! It is a shell. [A second's pause; she starts slightly.] It has burst upon the fort. [Looks over her shoulder atKERCHIVAL,drawing up to her full height.] Now!—do you believe that we Southerners are in deadly earnest?
KERCHIVAL. We Northerners are in deadly earnest, too. I have received my answer. We are—enemies! [They look at each other for a moment. [ExitKERCHIVAL.
GERTRUDE. Kerchival! [Moving quickly half across stage, looking after him eagerly; stops.] Enemies! [She drops into chair, sobbing bitterly. Another distant report, and low, long reverberations as the curtain descends.
GERTRUDE. It is a regiment of Union Cavalry. The Federal troops now have their lines three miles beyond us, and only a month ago the Confederate Army was north of Winchester. One army or the other has been marching up and down the Shenandoah Valley for three years. I wonder what the next change will be. We in Virginia have had more than our share of the war. [Looking off.
MADELINE. You have, indeed, Gertrude. [Walking down to seat.] And we at home in Washington have pitied you so much. But everybody says that there will be peace in the Valley after this. [Dropping into seat.
GERTRUDE. Peace! [Coming down.] That word means something very different to us poor Southerners from what it means to you.
MADELINE. I know, dear; and we in the North know how you have suffered, too. We were very glad when General Buckthorn was appointed to the command of the Nineteenth Army Corps, so that Jenny could get permission for herself and me to come and visit you.
GERTRUDE. The old General will do anything for Jenny, I suppose.
MADELINE. Yes. [Laughing.] We say in Washington that Jenny is in command of the Nineteenth Army Corps herself.
GERTRUDE. I was never more astonished or delighted in my life than when you and Jenny Buckthorn rode up, this morning, with a guard from Winchester; and Madeline, dear, I—I only wish that my brother Robert could be here, too. Do you remember in Charleston, darling—that morning—when I told you that—that Robert loved you?
MADELINE. He—[Looking down.]—he told me so himself only a little while afterwards, and while we were standing there, on the shore of the bay—the—the shot was fired which compelled him to enter this awful war—and me to return to my home in the North.
GERTRUDE. I was watching for that shot, too. [Turning.
MADELINE. Yes—[Rising.]—you and brother Kerchival—
GERTRUDE. We won't talk about that, my dear. We were speaking of Robert. As I told you this morning, I have not heard from him since the battle of Winchester, a month ago. Oh, Madeline! the many, many long weeks, like these, we have suffered, after some terrible battle in which he has been engaged. I do not know, now, whether he is living or dead.
MADELINE. The whole war has been one long suspense to me. [Dropping her face into her hands.
GERTRUDE. My dear sister! [Placing her arm about her waist and moving left.] You are a Northern girl, and I am a Rebel—but we are sisters. [They go up veranda and out. An OLD COUNTRYMANcomes in on a cane. He stops and glances back, raises a broken portion of the capstone of post, and places a letter under it. GERTRUDEhas stepped back on veranda and is watching him. He raises his head sharply, looking at her and bringing his finger to his lips. He drops his head again, as with age, and goes out.
GERTRUDEmoves down to stage and up to road, looks right and left, raises the broken stone, glancing back as she does so; takes letter and moves down.] Robert is alive! It is his handwriting! [Tears open the wrapper.] Only a line from him! and this—a despatch—and also a letter to me! Why, it is from Mrs. Haverill—from Washington—with a United States postmark. [Reads from a scrap of paper.]
"The enclosed despatch must be in the hands of Captain Edward Thornton before eight o'clock to-night. We have signaled to him from Three Top Mountain, and he is waiting for it at the bend in Oak Run. Our trusty scout at the Old Forge will carry it if you will put it in his hands."
The scout is not there, now; I will carry it to Captain Thornton myself. I—I haven't my own dear horse to depend on now; Jack knew every foot of the way through the woods about here; he could have carried a despatch himself. I can't bear to think of Jack; it's two years since he was captured by the enemy—and if he is still living—I—I suppose he is carrying one of their officers. No! Jack wouldn't fight on that side. He was a Rebel—as I am. He was one of the Black Horse Cavalry—his eyes always flashed towards the North. Poor Jack! my pet. [Brushing her eyes.] But this is no time for tears. I must do the best I can with the gray horse. Captain Thornton shall have the despatch. [Reads from note.]
"I also enclose a letter for you. I found it in a United States mail-bag which we captured from the enemy."
Oh—that's the way Mrs. Haverill's letter came—ha—ha—ha—by way of the Rebel Army! [Opens it; reads.]
"My Darling Gertrude: When Colonel Kerchival West was in Washington last week, on his way from Chattanooga, to serve under Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, he called upon me. It was the first time I had seen him since the opening of the war. I am certain that he still loves you, dear." [She kisses the letter eagerly, then draws up.
It is quite immaterial to me whether Kerchival West still loves me or not. [Reads.
"I have kept your secret, my darling."—Ah! my secret!—"but I was sorely tempted to betray the confidence you reposed in me at Charleston. If Kerchival West had heard you say, as I did, when your face was hidden in my bosom, that night, that you loved him with your whole heart—"—Oh! I could bite my tongue out now for making that confession—[Looks down at letter with a smile.] "I am certain that he still loves you." [Trumpet Signal No. 41. Kisses the letter repeatedly. Trumpet Signal No. 41, louder than at first. She starts, listening.
JENNY BUCKTHORNruns in on the veranda.
JENNY. Do you hear, Gertrude, they are going to pass this very house.[Military band. "John Brown" playing in the distance. Chorus ofSoldiers.] I've been watching them through my glass; it is ColonelKerchival West's regiment.
GERTRUDE. [Eagerly, then coldly.] Colonel West's! It is perfectly indifferent to me whose regiment it is.
JENNY. Oh! Of course. [Coming down.] It is equally indifferent to me; Captain Heartsease is in command of the first troop. [Trumpet Signal No. 52.] Column right! [She runs up to road. Looks.] They are coming up the hill.
GERTRUDE. At my very door! And Kerchival West in command! I will not stand here and see them pass. The despatch for Captain Thornton! I will carry it to him as soon as they are gone. [Exit up veranda, the band and chorus increasing in volume.
JENNY. Cavalry! That's the branch of the service I was born in; I was in a fort at the time—on the Plains. Sergeant Barket always said that my first baby squall was a command to the garrison; if any officer or soldier, from my father down, failed to obey my orders, I court-martialed him on the spot. I'll make 'em pass in review. [Jumping up on the rustic seat.] Yes! [Looking off.] There's Captain Heartsease himself, at the head of the first troop. Draw sabre! [With parasol.] Present! [Imitating the action. Music. The band and chorus now full and loud; she swings parasol in time. Trumpet Signal No. 40. Band and chorus suddenly cease.] Halt! Why, they are stopping here. [Trumpet Signal No. 38.] Dismount! I—I wonder if they are going to—I do believe—[Looking left eagerly. Trumpet Signal No. 17.] Assembly of Guard Details! As sure as fate, they are going into camp here. We girls will have a jolly time. [Jumping down.] Ha—ha—ha—ha! Let me see. How shall I receive Captain Heartsease? He deserves a court-martial, for he stole my lace handkerchief—at Mrs. Grayson's reception—in Washington. He was called away by orders to the West that very night, and we haven't met since. [Sighs.] He's been in lots of battles since then; I suppose he's forgotten all about the handkerchief. We girls, at home, don't forget such things. We aren't in battles. All we do is to—to scrape lint and flirt with other officers.
EnterCAPTAIN HEARTSEASE,followed byCOLONEL ROBERT ELLINGHAM;stops at gate.
HEARTSEASE. This way, Colonel Ellingham. [They enter. As they come down,HEARTSEASEstops suddenly, looking atJENNY;puts up his glasses.] Miss Buckthorn!
JENNY. Captain Heartsease!
HEARTSEASE. [Very quietly and with perfect composure.] I am thunderstruck. The unexpected sight of you has thrown me into a fever of excitement.
JENNY. Has it? [Aside.] If he gets so excited as that in battle, it must be awful. [Aloud.] Colonel Ellingham! [Crossing to him.
ELLINGHAM. Miss Buckthorn! You are visiting my sister? I am what may be called a visitor—by force—myself.
JENNY. Oh! You're a prisoner!
ELLINGHAM. I ventured too far within the Union lines to-night, and they have picked me up. But Major Wilson has kindly accepted my parole, and I shall make the best of it.
JENNY. Is Major Wilson in command of the regiment?
HEARTSEASE. Yes. Colonel West is to join us at this point, during the evening.
ELLINGHAM. I am very glad you are here, Miss Buckthorn, with Gertrude.
JENNY. Somebody here will be delighted to see you, Colonel.
ELLINGHAM. My sister can hardly be pleased to see me as a prisoner.
JENNY. Not your sister. [Passing him and crossing to veranda, turns and beckons to him. She motions with her thumb over her shoulder. He goes up the steps of the veranda and turns.
ELLINGHAM. What do you mean?
JENNY. I mean this—[Reaching up her face, he leans down, placing his ear near her lips.]—somebody else's sister! When she first sees you, be near enough to catch her.
ELLINGHAM. I understand you! Madeline! [Exit on veranda.JENNYruns up steps after him, stops and looks back atHEARTSEASEover the railing.HEARTSEASEtakes a lace handkerchief from his pocket.
JENNY. I do believe that's my handkerchief. [A GUARD OF SENTRIESmarches in and across stage in road. TheCORPORALin command orders halt and aSENTRYto post, then marchesGUARDout. TheSENTRYstands with his back to audience, afterwards moving out, appearing and disappearing during Act.
HEARTSEASE. Miss Buckthorn! I owe you an apology. After I left your side, the last time we met, I found your handkerchief in my possession. I assure you, it was an accident.
JENNY. [Aside, pouting.] I thought heintendedto steal it. [Aloud.] That was more than a year ago. [Then brightly.] Do you always carry it with you?
HEARTSEASE. Always; there. [Indicating his left breast pocket.
JENNY. Next to his heart!
HEARTSEASE. Shall I return it to you?
JENNY. Oh, if a lace handkerchief can be of any use to you, Captain, during the hardships of a campaign—you—you may keep that one. You soldiers have so few comforts—and it's real lace.
HEARTSEASE. Thank you. [Returning handkerchief to his pocket.] Miss Buckthorn, your papa is in command of the Nineteenth Army Corps. He doesn't like me.
JENNY. I know it.
HEARTSEASE. But you are in command of him,
JENNY. Yes; I always have been.
HEARTSEASE. If ever you decide to assume command of any other man,I—I trust you will givemeyour orders.
JENNY. [Aside, starting back.] If that was intended for a proposal, it's the queerest-shaped one I ever heard of. [Aloud.] Do you mean, Captain, that—that you—I must command myself now. [Shouldering her parasol.] 'Bout—face! March! [Turning squarely around, marches up and out on veranda.
HEARTSEASE. I have been placed on waiting orders. [Stepping up and looking after her; then very quietly and without emotion.] I am in an agony of suspense. The sight of that girl always arouses the strongest emotions of my nature.
[EnterCOLONEL KERCHIVAL WEST,looking at paper in his hand. TheSENTINEL,in road, comes to a salute.]
Colonel West!
KERCHIVAL. Captain!
HEARTSEASE. You have rejoined the regiment sooner than we expected.
KERCHIVAL. [Looking at paper.] Yes; General Haverill is to meet me here at seven o'clock. Major Wilson tells me that some of your company captured Colonel Robert Ellingham, of the Tenth Virginia.
HEARTSEASE. He is here under parole.
KERCHIVAL. And this is the old Ellingham homestead. [Aside.] Gertrude herself is here, I suppose; almost a prisoner to me, like her brother; and my troops surround their home. She must, indeed, feel that I am her enemy now. Ah, well, war is war. [Aloud.] By the bye, Heartsease, a young Lieutenant, Frank Bedloe, has joined our troop?
HEARTSEASE. Yes; an excellent young officer.
KERCHIVAL. I sent for him as I came through the camp. Lieutenant Frank"Bedloe" is the son of General Haverill.
HEARTSEASE. Indeed! Under an assumed name!
KERCHIVAL. He was supposed to have been killed in New Orleans more than a year ago; but he was taken prisoner instead. [Looking left.
HEARTSEASE. He is here.
KERCHIVAL. I should never have known him—with his full beard and bronzed face. His face was as smooth as a boy's when I last met him in Charleston.
EnterLIEUTENANT FRANK BEDLOE;he stops, saluting.
FRANK. You wished me to report to you, Colonel?
KERCHIVAL. You have been assigned to the regiment during my absence.
FRANK. Yes, sir. [KERCHIVALmoves to him and grasps his hand; looks into his eyes a moment before speaking.
KERCHIVAL. Frank Haverill.
FRANK. You—you know me, sir?
KERCHIVAL. I saw Mrs. Haverill while I was passing through Washington on Saturday. She told me that you had escaped from prison in Richmond, and had re-entered the service. She did not know then that you had been assigned to my regiment. I received a letter from her, in Winchester, this morning, informing me of the fact, and asking for my good offices in your behalf. But here is the letter. [Taking letter from wallet and giving it to him.] It is for you rather than for me. I shall do everything I can for you, my dear fellow.
FRANK. Thank you, sir. [Opens letter, dropping the envelope upon the table.] Kind, thoughtful and gentle to my faults, as ever—[Looking at the letter.]—and always thinking of my welfare. My poor little wife, too, is under her protection. Gentlemen, I beg of you not to reveal my secret to my father.
KERCHIVAL. General Haverill shall know nothing from us, my boy; you have my word for that.
HEARTSEASE. Nothing.
KERCHIVAL. And he cannot possibly recognize you. What with your full beard, and thinking as he does, that you are—
FRANK. That I am dead. I am dead to him. It would have been better if I had died. Nothing but my death—not even that—can wipe out the disgrace which I brought upon his name.
HEARTSEASE. [Looking right.] General Haverill has arrived.
EnterGENERAL HAVERILLwith aSTAFF OFFICER.
FRANK. My father!
HAVERILL. [Exchanging salutes with the three officers. He turns to theSTAFF OFFICER,giving him a paper and brief instructions in dumb show. TheOFFICERgoes out over the incline. AnotherSTAFF OFFICERenters, salutes and hands him a paper, then stands up stage.] Ah! The men are ready. [Looking at the paper. Then toKERCHIVAL.] Colonel! I have a very important matter to arrange with you; there is not a moment to be lost. I will ask Captain Heartsease to remain. [FRANKsalutes and starts up stage;HAVERILLlooks at him, starting slightly; raises his hand to detain him.] One moment; your name!
HEARTSEASE. Lieutenant Bedloe, General, of my own troop, and one of our best officers. [HAVERILLsteps toFRANK,looking into his face a moment.
HAVERILL. Pardon me! [Stepping down stage.FRANKmoves up, stops and looks back at him.HAVERILLstands a moment in thought, covers his face with one hand, then draws up.] Colonel West! We have a most dangerous piece of work for a young officer—[FRANKstarts joyfully.]—to lead a party of men, whom I have already selected. I cannot order an officer to undertake anything so nearly hopeless; he must be a volunteer.
FRANK. Oh, sir, General! Let me be their leader.
HAVERILL. I thought you had passed on.
FRANK. Do not refuse me, sir. [HAVERILLlooks at him a moment.HEARTSEASEandKERCHIVALexchange glances.
HAVERILL. You are the man we need, my young friend. You shall go. Listen! We wish to secure a key to the cipher despatches, which the enemy are now sending from their signal station on Three Top Mountain. There is another Confederate Signal Station in the Valley, just beyond Buckton's Ford. [Pointing.] Your duty will be this: First, to get inside the enemy's line; then to follow a path through the woods, with one of our scouts as your guide; attack the Station suddenly, and secure their code, if possible. I have this moment received word that the scout and the men are at the fort, now, awaiting their leader. Major McCandless, of my staff, will take you to the place. [Indicating theSTAFF OFFICER. FRANKexchanges salutes with him.] My young friend! I do not conceal from you the dangerous nature of the work on which I am sending you. If—if you do not return, I—I will write, myself, to your friends. [Taking out note-book.] Have you a father living?
FRANK. My—father—is—is—he is—
HAVERILL. I understand you. A mother? Or—
KERCHIVAL. I have the address of Lieutenant Bedloe's friends, General.
HAVERILL. I will ask you to give it to me, if necessary. [Extends his hand.] Good-bye, my lad. [FRANKmoves to him.HAVERILLgrasps his hand, warmly.] Keep a brave heart and come back to us. [FRANKmoves up stage. ExitSTAFF OFFICER.
FRANK. He is my father still. [Exit.
HAVERILL. My dead boy's face! [Dropping his face into both hands.
HEARTSEASE. [Apart toKERCHIVAL.] He shall not go alone. [Aloud.]General! Will you kindly give me leave of absence from the command?
HAVERILL. Leave of absence! To an officer in active service—and in the presence of the enemy?
KERCHIVAL. [Taking hand ofHEARTSEASE.Apart.] God bless you, old fellow! Look after the boy.
HAVERILL. A—h—[With a sudden thought, turns.] I think I understand you, Captain Heartsease. Yes; you may have leave of absence.
HEARTSEASE. Thank you. [Salutes.HAVERILLandKERCHIVALsalute.ExitHEARTSEASE.
KERCHIVAL. Have you any further orders for me, General?
HAVERILL. I wish you to understand the great importance of the duty to which I have just assigned this young officer. General Sheridan started for Washington this noon, by way of Front Royal. Since his departure, we have had reason to believe that the enemy are about to move, and we must be able to read their signal despatches, if possible. [Sitting.] I have ordered Captain Lockwood, of our own Signal Corps, to report to you here, with officers and men. [Takes up the empty envelope on table, unconsciously, as he speaks, tapping it on the table.] If Lieutenant Bedloe succeeds in getting the key to the enemy's cipher, we can signal from this point—[Pointing to elevation.]—to our station at Front Royal. Men and horses are waiting there now, to carry forward a message, if necessary, to General Sheridan himself. [He starts suddenly, looking at the envelope in his hand; reads address. Aside.] "Colonel Kerchival West"—in my wife's handwriting.
KERCHIVAL. I'll attend to your orders.
HAVERILL. Postmarked at Washington, yesterday. [Reads.] "Private and confidential." [Aloud.] Colonel West! I found a paragraph, to-day, in a paper published in Richmond, taken from a prisoner. I will read it to you. [Takes newspaper slip from his wallet and reads.]
"From the Charleston Mercury. Captain Edward Thornton, of the Confederate Secret Service, has been assigned to duty in the Shenandoah Valley. Our gallant Captain still bears upon his face the mark of his meeting, in 1861, with Lieutenant, now Colonel Kerchival West, who is also to serve in the Valley, with Sheridan's Army. Another meeting between these two men would be one of the strange coincidences of the war, as they were at one time, if not indeed at present, interested in the same beautiful woman." [Rises.]
I will ask you to read the last few lines, yourself. [Hands KERCHIVAL the slip.
KERCHIVAL. [Reading.] "The scandal connected with the lovely wife of a Northern officer, at the opening of the war, was overshadowed, of course, by the attack on Fort Sumter; but many Charlestonians will remember it. The lady in defense of whose good name Captain Thornton fought the duel"—he defending her good name!—"is the wife of General Haverill, who will be Colonel West's immediate commander." [He pauses a moment, then hands back the slip.] General! I struck Mr. Thornton, after a personal quarrel.
HAVERILL. And the cause of the blow? There is much more in this than I have ever known of. I need hardly say that I do not accept the statement of this scandalous paragraph as correct. I will ask you to tell me the whole story, frankly, as man to man.
KERCHIVAL. [After a moment's thought.] I will tell you—all—frankly, General.
EnterSERGEANT BARKET.
BARKET. Colonel West? Adjutant Rollins wishes to report—a prisoner—just captured.
HAVERILL. We will meet again later, to-night, when the camp is at rest. We are both soldiers, and have duties before us, at once. For the present, Colonel, be on the alert; we must watch the enemy. [He moves up stage.BARKETsalutes.HAVERILLstops and looks at envelope in his hands, reading.] "Private and confidential." [Exit.
KERCHIVAL. Sergeant Barket! Lieutenant Bedloe has crossed the enemy's line, at Buckton's Ford, with a party of men. I wish you to ride to the Ford yourself, and remain there, with your horse in readiness and fresh. As soon as any survivor of the party returns, ride back with the first news at full speed.
BARKET. Yes, sir. [Starting.
KERCHIVAL. You say a prisoner has been captured? Is it a spy?
BARKET. Worse—a petticoat.
KERCHIVAL. A female prisoner! [Dropping into seat.
BARKET. I towld the byes your honour wouldn't thank us fer the catchin' of her. The worst of it is she's a lady; and what's worse still, it's a purty one.
KERCHIVAL. Tell Major Wilson, for me, to let her take the oath, and everything else she wants. The Government of the United States will send her an apology and a new bonnet.
BARKET. The young lady is to take the oath, is it? She says she'll see us damned first.
KERCHIVAL. A lady, Barket?
BARKET. Well! she didn't use thim exact words. That's the way I understand her emphasis. Ivery time she looks at me, I feel like getting under a boom-proof. She was dashing through the woods on a gray horse, sur; and we had the divil's own chase. But we came up wid her, at last, down by the bend in Oak Run. Just at that moment we saw the figure of a Confederate officer, disappearing among the trays on the ither side.
KERCHIVAL. A—h!
BARKET. Two of us rayturned wid the girl; and the rist wint after the officer. Nothing has been heard of thim yet.
KERCHIVAL. Have you found any despatches on the prisoner?
BARKET. Well!—yer honour, I'm a bachelor, meself; and I'm not familar with the jayography of the sex. We byes are in mortal terror for fear somebody might order us to go on an exploring expedition.
KERCHIVAL. Tell them to send the prisoner here, Barket, and hurry toBuckton's Ford yourself, at once.
BARKET. As fast as me horse can carry me, sir, and it's a good one. [Exit.
KERCHIVAL. I'd rather deal with half the Confederate Army than with one woman, but I must question her. They captured her down by the Bend in Oak Run. [Taking out map; looks at it.] I see. She had just met, or was about to meet, a Confederate officer at that point. It is evident that she was either taking him a despatch or was there to receive one. Oak Run. [CORPORAL DUNNand TwoSOLDIERSenter, withGERTRUDEas a prisoner. They stop;KERCHIVALsits studying map.GERTRUDEglances at him and marches down with head erect; stops, with her back to him.
CORPORAL DUNN. The prisoner, Colonel West!
KERCHIVAL. Ah! Very well, Corporal; you can go. [Rising; he motions theGUARDto retire.CORPORAL DUNNgives the necessary orders and exit withGUARD.] Be seated, madam. [GERTRUDEdraws up, folding her arms and planting her foot, spitefully.KERCHIVALshrugs his shoulder. Aside.] I wish they'd capture a tigress for me, or some other female animal that I know how to manage better than I do a woman. [Aloud.] I am very sorry, madam, but, of course, my duty as a military officer is paramount to all other considerations. You have been captured within the lines of this army, and under circumstances which lead me to think that you have important despatches upon your person. I trust that you will give me whatever you have at once. I shall be exceedingly sorry if you compel me to adopt the extreme—and the very disagreeable course—for both of us—of having—you—I—I hesitate even to use the word, madam—but military law is absolute—having you—
GERTRUDE. Searched! If you dare, Colonel West! [Turning to him suddenly and drawing up to her full height.
KERCHIVAL. Gertrude Ellingham! [Springs across to her, with his arms extended.] My dear Gertrude!
GERTRUDE. [Turning her back upon him.] Not "dear Gertrude" to you, sir!
KERCHIVAL. Not?—Oh! I forgot.
GERTRUDE. [Coldly.] I am your prisoner.
KERCHIVAL. Yes. [Drawing up firmly, with a change of manner.] We will return to the painful realities of war. I am very sorry that you have placed yourself in a position like this, and, believe me, Gertrude—[With growing tenderness.]—I am still more sorry to be in such a position myself. [Resting one hand on her arm, and his other arm about her waist.
GERTRUDE. [After looking down at his hands.] You don't like the position? [He starts back, drawing up with dignity.] Is that the paramount duty of a military officer?
KERCHIVAL. You will please hand me whatever despatches or other papers may be in your possession.
GERTRUDE. [Looking away.] You willforceme, I suppose. I am a woman; you have the power. Order in the guard! A corporal and two men—you'd better make it a dozen—I am dangerous! Call the whole regiment to arms! Beat the long roll! I won't give up, if all the armies of the United States surround me.
EnterGENERAL BUCKTHORN.
KERCHIVAL. General Buckthorn! [Saluting.
BUCKTHORN. Colonel West.
GERTRUDE. [Aside.] Jenny's father! [BUCKTHORNglances atGERTRUDE,who still stands looking away. He moves down toKERCHIVAL.
BUCKTHORN. [Apart, gruffly.] I was passing with my staff, and I was informed that you had captured a woman bearing despatches to the enemy. Is this the one?
KERCHIVAL. Yes, General.
BUCKTHORN. Ah! [Turning, looks at her.
GERTRUDE. I wonder if he will recognize me. He hasn't seen me since I was a little girl. [Turns toward, him.
BUCKTHORN. [Turning toKERCHIVAL;punches him in the ribs.] Fine young woman!—[Turns and bows to her very gallantly, removing his hat. She bows deeply in return.] A-h-e-m! [Suddenly pulling himself up to a stern, military air; then gruffly toKERCHIVAL,extending his hand.] Let me see the despatches.
KERCHIVAL. She declines positively to give them up.
BUCKTHORN. Oh! Does she? [Walks thoughtfully; turns.] My dear young lady! I trust you will give us no further trouble. Kindly let us have those despatches.
GERTRUDE. [Looking away.] I have no despatches, and I would not give them to you if I had.
BUCKTHORN. What! You defy my authority? Colonel West, I command you! Search the prisoner! [GERTRUDEturns suddenly towardsKERCHIVAL,facing him defiantly. He looks across at her aghast. A moment's pause.
KERCHIVAL. General Buckthorn—I decline to obey that order.
BUCKTHORN. You—you decline to obey my order! [Moves down to him fiercely.
KERCHIVAL. [Apart.] General! It is the woman I love.
BUCKTHORN. [Apart.] Is it? Damn you, sir! I wouldn't have an officer in my army corps who would obey me, under such circumstances. I'll have to look for those despatches myself.
KERCHIVAL. [Facing him, angrily.] If you dare, General Buckthorn!
BUCKTHORN. [Apart.] Blast your eyes! I'd kick you out of the army if you'dletme search her; but it's my military duty to swear at you. [ToGERTRUDE.] Colonel West has sacrificed his life to protect you.
GERTRUDE. His life!
BUCKTHORN. I shall have him shot for insubordination to his commander, immediately. [GivesKERCHIVALa huge wink, and turns.
GERTRUDE. Oh, sir! General! I have told you the truth. I have no despatches. Believe me, sir, I haven't so much as a piece of paper about me, except—
BUCKTHORN. Except? [Turning sharply.
GERTRUDE. Only a letter. Here it is. [Taking letter from the bosom of her dress.] Upon my soul, it is all I have. Truly it is.
BUCKTHORN. [Taking letter.] Colonel West, you're reprieved. [WinksatKERCHIVAL,who turns away, laughing.BUCKTHORNreads letter.]"Washington"—Ho!—ho! From within our own lines!—"Colonel KerchivalWest—"
KERCHIVAL. Eh?
GERTRUDE. Please, General!—Don't read it aloud.
BUCKTHORN. Very well! I won't.
KERCHIVAL. [Aside.] I wonder what it has to do with me?
BUCKTHORN. [Reading. Aside.] "If Kerchival West had heard you say, as I did—m—m——that you loved him with your whole heart—" [He glances up atGERTRUDE,who drops her head coyly.] This is a very important military document. [Turns to last page.] "Signed, Constance Haverill." [Turns to front page.] "My dear Gertrude!" Is this Miss Gertrude Ellingham?
GERTRUDE. Yes, General.
BUCKTHORN. I sent my daughter, Jenny, to your house, with an escort, this morning.
GERTRUDE. She is here.
BUCKTHORN. [Tapping her under the chin.] You're an arrant little Rebel, my dear; but I like you immensely. [Draws up suddenly, with an"Ahem!"Turns toKERCHIVAL.] Colonel West, I leave this dangerous young woman in your charge. [KERCHIVALapproaches.] If she disobeys you in any way, or attempts to escape—read that letter! [Giving him the letter.
GERTRUDE. Oh! General!
BUCKTHORN. But not till then.
KERCHIVAL. [Tenderly, taking her hand.] My—prisoner!
GERTRUDE. [Aside.] I could scratch my own eyes out—or his, either—rather than have him read that letter.
EnterCORPORAL DUNN,withGUARDof four soldiers andCAPTAIN EDWARD THORNTONas a prisoner.
KERCHIVAL. Edward Thornton!
GERTRUDE. They have taken him also! He has the despatch!
CORPORAL DUNN. The Confederate Officer, Colonel, who was pursued by our troops at Oak Run, after they captured the young lady.
BUCKTHORN. The little witch has been communicating with the enemy!
KERCHIVAL. [ToGERTRUDE.] You will give me your parole of honour until we next meet?
GERTRUDE. Yes. [Aside.] That letter! Iamhis prisoner. [She walks up the steps and looks back atTHORNTON.Exit.
KERCHIVAL. [ToBUCKTHORN.] We will probably find the despatches we have been looking for now, General.
BUCKTHORN. Prisoner! You will hand us what papers you may have.
THORNTON. I will hand you nothing.
BUCKTHORN. Colonel! [KERCHIVALmotions toTHORNTON,who looks at him sullenly.
KERCHIVAL. Corporal Dunn!—search the prisoner. [DUNNsteps toTHORNTON,taking him by the shoulder and turning him rather roughly.THORNTON'Sback to the audience.DUNNthrows open his coat, takespaper from his breast, hands it toKERCHIVAL,who gives it toBUCKTHORN.] Proceed with the search. [DUNNcontinues the search.BUCKTHORNdrops upon seat, lights a match, looks at the paper.
BUCKTHORN. [Reading.] "General Rosser will rejoin General Early with all the cavalry in his command, at——" This is important. [Continues to read with matches. TheCORPORALhands a packet toKERCHIVAL.He removes the covering.
KERCHIVAL. [Starting.] A portrait of Mrs. Haverill! [He touchesCORPORAL DUNNon the shoulder quickly and motions him to retire.DUNNfalls back to theGUARD. KERCHIVALspeaks apart toTHORNTON,who has turned front.] How did this portrait come into your possession?
THORNTON. That is my affair, not yours!
BUCKTHORN. Anything else, Colonel?
KERCHIVAL. [Placing the miniature in his pocket.] Nothing!
THORNTON. [Apart, overKERCHIVAL'Sshoulder.] A time will come, perhaps, when I can avenge the insult of this search, and also this scar. [Pointing to a scar on his face.] Your aim was better than mine in Charleston, but we shall meet again; give me back that picture.
KERCHIVAL. Corporal! Take your prisoner!
THORNTON. Ah! [Viciously springing atKERCHIVAL; CORPORAL DUNNsprings forward, seizesTHORNTON,throws him back to theGUARDand stands with his carbine levelled atTHORNTON;looks atKERCHIVAL,who quietly motions him out.CORPORAL DUNNgives the orders to the men and marches out withTHORNTON.
BUCKTHORN. Ah! [Still reading with matches.] Colonel! [Rising.] The enemy has a new movement on foot, and General Sheridan has left the army! Listen! [Reads from despatches with matches.] "Watch for a signal from Three Top Mountain to-night."
KERCHIVAL. We hope to be able to read that signal ourselves.
BUCKTHORN. Yes, I know. Be on your guard. I will speak with General Haverill, and then ride over to General Wright's headquarters. Keep us informed.
KERCHIVAL. I will, General. [Saluting.BUCKTHORNsalutes and exit.] "Watch for a signal from Three Top Mountain to-night." [Looking up at mountain.] We shall be helpless to read it unless Lieutenant Bedloe is successful. I only hope the poor boy is not lying dead, already, in those dark woods beyond the Ford. [Looking off; turns down stage, taking the miniature from his pocket.] How came Edward Thornton to have this portrait of Mrs. Haverill in his possession? [GERTRUDEruns in on veranda.
GERTRUDE. Oh, Colonel West! He's here! [Looks back.] They are coming this way with him.
KERCHIVAL. Him! Who?
GERTRUDE. Jack.
KERCHIVAL. Jack!
GERTRUDE. My own horse!
KERCHIVAL. Ah, I remember! He and I were acquainted in Charleston.
GERTRUDE. Two troopers are passing through the camp with him.
KERCHIVAL. He is not in your possession?
GERTRUDE. He was captured at the battle of Fair Oaks, but I recognized him the moment I saw him; and I am sure he knew me, too, when I went up to him. He whinnied and looked so happy. You are in command here—[Running down.]—you will compel them to give him up to me?
KERCHIVAL. If he is in my command, your pet shall be returned to you. I'll give one of my own horses to the Government as a substitute, if necessary.
GERTRUDE. Oh, thank you, my dear Kerchival! [Going to him; he takes her hand, looking into her eyes.] I—I could almost—
KERCHIVAL. Can you almost confess, at last, Gertrude, that you—love me? [Tenderly; she draws back, hanging her head, but leaving her hand in his.] Have I been wrong? I felt that that confession was hovering on your tongue when we were separated in Charleston. Have I seen that confession in your eyes since we met again to-day—even among the angry flashes which they have shot out at me? During all this terrible war—in the camp and the trench—in the battle—I have dreamed of a meeting like this. You are still silent? [Her hand is still in his. She is looking down. A smile steals over her face, and she raises her eyes to his, taking his hand in both her own.
GERTRUDE. Kerchival! I—[EnterBENSON.She looks around over her shoulder.KERCHIVALlooks up stage. ATROOPER,leading the large black horse of Act I, now caparisoned in military saddle, bridle, &c., followsBENSONacross; anotherTROOPERfollows.] Jack! [She runs up stage, meeting horse.KERCHIVALturns.
KERCHIVAL. Confound Jack! That infernal horse was always in my way!
GERTRUDE. [With her arm about her horse's neck.] My darling old fellow! Is he not beautiful, Kerchival? They have taken good care of him. How soft his coat is!
KERCHIVAL. Benson, explain this!
BENSON. I was instructed to show this horse and his leader through the lines, sir.
KERCHIVAL. What are your orders, my man? [Moving up, theTROOPERhands him a paper. He moves a few steps down, reading it.
GERTRUDE. You are to be mine again, Jack, mine! [Resting her cheek against the horse's head and patting it.] The Colonel has promised it to me.
KERCHIVAL. Ah! [With a start, as he reads the paper.GERTRUDEraises her head and looks at him.] This is General Sheridan's horse, on his way to Winchester, for the use of the General when he returns from Washington.
GERTRUDE. General Sheridan's horse? He is mine!
KERCHIVAL. I have no authority to detain him. He must go on.
GERTRUDE. I have hold of Jack's bridle, and you may order your men to take out their sabres and cut my hand off.
KERCHIVAL. [Approaches her and gently takes her hand as it holds the bridle.] I would rather have my own hand cut off, Gertrude, than bring tears to your eyes, but there is no alternative! [GERTRUDEreleases the bridle and turns front, brushing her eyes, her hand still held in his, his back to the audience. He returns order, and motionsTROOPERSout; they move out with horse.GERTRUDEstarts after the horse;KERCHIVALturns quickly to check her.] You forget—that—you are my prisoner.
GERTRUDE. Iwillgo!
KERCHIVAL. General Buckthorn left me special instructions—[Taking out wallet and letter.]—in case you declined to obey my orders—
GERTRUDE. Oh, Colonel! Please don't read that letter. [She stands near him, dropping her head. He glances up at her from the letter. She glances up at him and drops her eyes again.] I will obey you.
KERCHIVAL. [Aside.] What the deuce can there be in that letter?
GERTRUDE. Colonel West! Your men made me a prisoner this afternoon; to-night you have robbed me, by your own orders, of—of—Jack is only a pet, but I love him; and my brother is also a captive in your hands. When we separated in Charleston you said that we were enemies. What is there lacking to make those words true to-day? Youaremy enemy! A few moments ago you asked me to make a confession to you. You can judge for yourself whether it is likely to be a confession of—love—or of hatred!
KERCHIVAL. Hatred!
GERTRUDE. [Facing him.] Listen to my confession, sir! From the bottom of my heart—
KERCHIVAL. Stop!
GERTRUDE. I will not stop!
KERCHIVAL. I command you.
GERTRUDE. Indeed! [He throws open the wallet in his hand and raises the letter.] Ah! [She turns away; turns again, as if to speak. He half opens the letter. She stamps her foot and walks up steps of the veranda. Here she turns again.] I tell you, I—[He opens the letter. She turns, and exits with spiteful step.
KERCHIVAL. I wonder if that document orders me to cut her head off! [Returning it to wallet and pocket.] Was ever lover in such a position? I am obliged to cross the woman I love at every step.
EnterCORPORAL DUNN,very hurriedly.
CORPORAL DUNN. A message from Adjutant Rollins, sir! The prisoner, Captain Thornton, dashed away from the special guard which was placed over him, and he has escaped. He had a knife concealed, and two of the guard are badly wounded. Adjutant Rollins thinks the prisoner is still within the lines of the camp—in one of the houses or the stables.
KERCHIVAL. Tell Major Wilson to place the remainder of the guard under arrest, and to take every possible means to recapture the prisoner. [CORPORAL DUNNsalutes, and exits.] So! Thornton has jumped his guard, and he is armed. I wonder if he is trying to get away, or to find me. From what I know of the man, he doesn't much care which he succeeds in doing. That scar which I gave him in Charleston is deeper in his heart than it is in his face. [A signal light suddenly appears on Three Top Mountain. The "Call."] Ah!—the enemy's signal! [EnterCAPTAIN LOCKWOOD,followed byLIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS.] Captain Lockwood! You are here! Are your Signalmen with you?