LOCKWOOD. Yes, Colonel; and one of my Lieutenants.
[TheLIEUTENANTis looking up at signal with glass.CAPTAIN LOCKWOODdoes the same.HAVERILLenters, followed by twoSTAFF OFFICERS.
HAVERILL. [As he enters.] Can you make anything of it, Captain?
LOCKWOOD. Nothing, General! Our services are quite useless unlessLieutenant Bedloe returns with the key to their signals.
HAVERILL. A—h! [Coming down stage.] We shall fail. It is time he had returned, if successful.
SENTINEL. [Without.] Halt! Who goes there? [KERCHIVALruns up stage, and half way up incline, looking off.] Halt! [A shot without.
BARKET. [Without.] Och!—Ye murtherin spalpeen!
KERCHIVAL. Sentinel! Let him pass; it is Sergeant Barket.
SENTINEL. [Without.] Pass on.
KERCHIVAL. He didn't give the countersign. News from LieutenantBedloe, General!
BARKET. [Hurrying in, up slope.] Colonel Wist, our brave byes wiped out the enemy, and here's the papers.
KERCHIVAL. [Taking papers.—Then toLOCKWOOD.] Is that the key?
LOCKWOOD. Yes. Lieutenant! [LIEUTENANThurries up to elevation, looking through his glass.LOCKWOODopens book.
HAVERILL. What of Lieutenant Bedloe, Sergeant?
BARKET. Sayreously wounded, and in the hands of the inimy!
HAVERILL. [Sighing.] A—h.
BARKET. [Coming down stone steps.] It is reported that CaptainHeartsease was shot dead at his side.
KERCHIVAL. Heartsease dead!
LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. [Reading signals.]Twelve—Twenty-two—Eleven.
BARKET. Begorra! I forgot the Sintinil entirely, but he didn't forget me. [Holding his left arm.
HAVERILL. Colonel West! We must make every possible sacrifice for the immediate exchange of Lieutenant Bedloe, if he is still living. It is due to him. Colonel Robert Ellingham is a prisoner in this camp; offer him his own exchange for young Bedloe.
KERCHIVAL. He will accept, of course. I will ride to the front with him myself, General, and show him through the lines.
HAVERILL. At once! [KERCHIVALcrosses front and exit on veranda.HAVERILLcrosses.] Can you follow the despatch, Captain?
LOCKWOOD. Perfectly; everything is here
HAVERILL. Well!
LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. Eleven—Twenty-two—One—Twelve.
LOCKWOOD. [From book.] "General Longstreet is coming with—"
HAVERILL. Longstreet!
LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. One—Twenty-one.
LOCKWOOD. "With eighteen thousand men."
LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. Two—Eleven—Twenty-two.
LOCKWOOD. "Sheridan is away!"
HAVERILL. They have discovered his absence!
LIEUTENANT OF SIGNAL CORPS. Two—Twenty-two—Eleven—One—Twelve—One.
LOCKWOOD. "We will crush the Union Army before he can return."
HAVERILL. Signal that despatch from here to our Station at Front Royal. [Pointing.] Tell them to send it after General Sheridan—and ride for their lives. [LOCKWOODhurries out.] Major Burton! We will ride to General Wright's headquarters at once—our horses! [Noise of a struggle without.
BARKET. [Looking.] What the devil is the row out there? [Exit. Also one of theSTAFF OFFICERS.
HAVERILL. [Looking off.] What is this? Colonel West wounded!
EnterKERCHIVAL WEST,his coat thrown open, withELLINGHAM, BARKETassisting.
ELLINGHAM. Steady, Kerchival, old boy! You should have let us carry you.
KERCHIVAL. Nonsense, old fellow! It's a mere touch with the point of the knife. I—I'm faint—with the loss of a little blood—that's all. Bob!—I—[Reels suddenly and is caught byELLINGHAMas he sinks to the ground, insensible.
ELLINGHAM. Kerchival! [Kneeling at his side.
HAVERILL. Go for the surgeon! [ToSTAFF OFFICER,who goes out quickly on veranda.] How did this happen? [EnterCORPORAL DUNNandGUARD,withTHORNTON.He is in his shirt sleeves and disheveled, his arms folded. They march down.] Captain Thornton!
ELLINGHAM. We were leaving the house together; a hunted animal sprang suddenly across our path, like a panther. [Looking over his shoulder.] There it stands. Kerchival!—my brother!
CORPORAL DUNN. We had just brought this prisoner to bay, but I'm afraid we were too late.
HAVERILL. This is assassination, sir, not war. If you have killed him—
THORNTON. Do what you like with me; we need waste no words. I had an old account to settle, and I have paid my debt.
ELLINGHAM. General Haverill! I took these from his breast when he first fell. [Handing up wallet and miniature toHAVERILL. HAVERILLstarts as he looks at the miniature.THORNTONwatches him.
HAVERILL. [Aside.] My wife's portrait!
THORNTON. If I have killed him—your honour will be buried in the same grave.
HAVERILL. Her picture on his breast! She gave it to him—not to my son! [Dropping into seat.CAPTAIN LOCKWOODenters with aSIGNALMAN,who has a burning torch on a long pole; he hurries up the elevation.CAPTAIN LOCKWOODstands below, facing him. Almost simultaneously with the entrance of theSIGNALMAN, GERTRUDEruns in on veranda.
GERTRUDE. They are calling for a surgeon! Who is it? Brother!—you are safe,—ah! [Uttering a scream, as she seesKERCHIVAL,and falling on her knees at his side.] Kerchival! Forget those last bitter words I said to you. Can't you hear my confession? I do love you. Can't you hear me? I love you! [TheSIGNALMANis swinging the torch as the curtain descends,LOCKWOODlooking right.
DISCOVERED. JENNY,on low stone post, looking left. As the curtain rises, she imitates Trumpet Signal No.19on her closed fists.
JENNY. What a magnificent line! [Looking.] Guides-posts! Every man and every horse is eager for the next command. There comes the flag! [Trumpet Signal without, No.30.] To the standard! [As the signal begins.] The regiment is going to the front. Oh! I do wish I could go with it. I always do, the moment I hear the trumpets. Boots and saddles! [Imitates No.16.] Mount! [Imitates No.37.] I wish I was in command of the regiment. It was born in me. [Trumpet Signal No.48,without.] Fours right! There they go! Look at those horses' ears! [Trumpet Signal No.39,without.] Forward. [Military band heard without—"The Battle Cry of Freedom"JENNYtakes attitude of holding bridle and trotting.] Rappity—plap—plap—plap, etc. [She imitates the motions of a soldier on horseback, stepping down to rock at side of post; thence to ground and about stage, with the various curvettings of a spirited horse. Chorus of soldiers without, with the band. The music becomes more and more distant.JENNYgradually stops as the music is dying away, and stands, listening. As it dies entirely away, she suddenly starts to an enthusiastic attitude.] Ah! If I were only a man! The enemy! On Third Battalion, left, front, into line, march! Draw sabres! Charge! [Imitates Trumpet Signal No.44.As she finishes, she rises to her full height, with both arms raised, and trembling with enthusiasm.] Ah! [She suddenly drops her arms and changes to an attitude and expression of disappointment—pouting.] And the first time Old Margery took me to papa, in her arms, she had to tell him I was a girl. Papa was as much disgusted as I was. But he'd never admit it; he says I'm as good a soldier as any of 'em—just as I am.
EnterBARKETon veranda, his arm in a sling.
BARKET. [On veranda] Miss Jenny!
JENNY. Barket! The regiment has marched away to the front, and we girls are left here, with just you and a corporal's guard to look after us.
BARKET. I've been watching the byes mesilf. [Coming down.] If a little milithary sugar-plum like you, Miss Jenny, objects to not goin' wid' 'em, what do you think of an ould piece of hard tack like me? I can't join the regiment till I've taken you and Miss Madeline back to Winchester, by your father's orders. But it isn't the first time I've escorted you, Miss Jenny. Many a time, when you was a baby, on the Plains, I commanded a special guard to accompany ye's from one fort to anither, and we gave the command in a whisper, so as not to wake ye's up.
JENNY. I told you to tell papa that I'd let him know when Madeline andI were ready to go.
BARKET. I tould him that I'd as soon move a train of army mules.
JENNY. I suppose we must start for home again to-day?
BARKET. Yes, Miss Jenny, in charge of an ould Sargeant wid his arm in a sling and a couple of convalescent throopers. This department of the United States Army will move to the rear in half an hour.
JENNY. Madeline and I only came yesterday morning.
BARKET. Whin your father got ye's a pass to the front, we all thought the fightin' in the Shenandoey Valley was over. It looks now as if it was just beginning. This is no place for women, now. Miss Gertrude Ellingham ought to go wid us, but she won't.
JENNY. Barket! Captain Heartsease left the regiment yesterday, and he hasn't rejoined it; he isn't with them, now, at the head of his company. Where is he?
BARKET. I can't say where he is, Miss Jenny. [Aside.] Lyin' unburied in the woods, where he was shot, I'm afraid.
JENNY. When Captain Heartsease does rejoin the regiment, Barket, please say to him for me, that—that I—I may have some orders for him, when we next meet. [Exit on veranda.
BARKET. Whin they nixt mate. They tell us there is no such thing as marriage in Hiven. If Miss Jenny and Captain Heartsease mate there, they'll invint somethin' that's mighty like it. While I was lyin' wounded in General Buckthorn's house at Washington, last summer, and ould Margery was taking care of me, Margery tould me, confidentially, that they was in love wid aitch ither; and I think she was about right. I've often seen Captain Heartsease take a sly look at a little lace handkerchief, just before we wint into battle. [Looks off.] Here's General Buckthorn himself. He and I must make it as aisy as we can for Miss Jenny's poor heart.
EnterGENERAL BUCKTHORN.
BUCKTHORN. Sergeant Barket! You haven't started with those girls yet?
BARKET. They're to go in half an hour, sir.
BUCKTHORN. Be sure they do go. Is General Haverill here?
BARKET. Yes, sir; in the house with some of his staff, and theSurgeon.
BUCKTHORN. Ah! The Surgeon. How is Colonel West, this morning, after the wound he received last night?
BARKET. He says, himself, that he's as well as iver he was; but the Colonel and Surgeon don't agray on that subject. The dochter says he mustn't lave his room for a month. The knife wint dape; and there's somethin' wrong inside of him. But the Colonel, bein' on the outside himsilf, can't see it. He's as cross as a bear, baycause they wouldn't let him go to the front this morning, at the head of his regiment. I happened to raymark that the Chaplain was prayin' for his raycovery. The Colonel said he'd court-martial him if he didn't stop that—quick; there's more important things for the Chaplain to pray for in his official capacity. Just at that moment the trumpets sounded, "Boots and Saddles." I had to dodge one of his boots, and the Surgeon had a narrow escape from the ither one. It was lucky for us both his saddle wasn't in the room.
BUCKTHORN. That looks encouraging. I think Kerchival will get on.
BARKET. Might I say a word to you, sur, about Miss Jenny?
BUCKTHORN. Certainly, Barket. You and old Margery and myself have been a sort of triangular mother, so to speak, to the little girl—since her own poor mother left her to our care, when she was only a baby, in the old fort on the Plains. [At his side and unconsciously resting his arm overBARKET'Sshoulder, familiarly. Suddenly draws up.] Ahem! [Then gruffly.] What is it? Proceed.
BARKET. Her mother's bosom would have been the softest place for her poor little head to rest upon, now, sur.
BUCKTHORN. [Touching his eyes.] Well!
BARKET. Ould Margery tould me in Washington that Miss Jenny andCaptain Heartsease were in love wid aitch ither.
BUCKTHORN. [Starting.] In love!
BARKET. I approved of the match.
BUCKTHORN. What the devil! [BARKETsalutes quickly and starts up stage and out.BUCKTHORNmoves up after him; stops at post.BARKETstops in road.
BARKET. So did ould Margery.
BUCKTHORN. March! [Angrily.BARKETsalutes suddenly, and exits.] Heartsease! That young jackanapes! A mere fop; he'll never make a soldier. My girl in love with—bah! I don't believe it; she's too good a soldier, herself.
[EnterHAVERILL,on veranda.]
Ah, Haverill!
HAVERILL. General Buckthorn! Have you heard anything of GeneralSheridan since I sent that despatch to him last evening?
BUCKTHORN. He received it at midnight and sent back word that he considers it a ruse of the enemy. General Wright agrees with him. The reconnaissance yesterday showed no hostile force, on our right, and Crook reports that Early is retreating up the Valley. But General Sheridan may, perhaps, give up his journey to Washington, and he has ordered some changes in our line, to be executed this afternoon at four o'clock. I rode over to give you your instructions in person. You may order General McCuen to go into camp on the right of Meadow Brook, with the second division. [HAVERILLis writing in his note-book.
EnterJENNY,on veranda.
JENNY. Oh, papa! I'm so glad you've come. I've got something to say to you. [Running down and jumping into his arms, kissing him. He turns with her, and sets her down, squarely on her feet and straight before him.
BUCKTHORN. And I've got something to say to you—about CaptainHeartsease.
JENNY. Oh! That's just what I wanted to talk about.
BUCKTHORN. Fall in! Front face! [She jumps into military position, turning towards him.] What's this I hear from Sergeant Barket? He says you've been falling in love.
JENNY. I have. [Saluting.
BUCKTHORN. Young woman! Listen to my orders. Fallout! [Turns sharply and marches toHAVERILL.] Order the Third Brigade of Cavalry, under Colonel Lowell, to occupy the left of the pike.
JENNY. Papa! [Running to him and seizing the tail of his coat.]Papa, dear!
BUCKTHORN. Close in Colonel Powell on the extreme left—[Slapping his coat-tails out ofJENNY'Shands, without looking around.]—and hold Custer on the second line, at Old Forge Road. That is all at present. [Turns toJENNY.] Good-bye, my darling! [Kisses her.] Remember your orders! You little pet! [Chuckling, as he taps her chin; draws up suddenly; turns toHAVERILL.] General! I bid you good-day.
HAVERILL. Good-day, General Buckthorn. [They salute with great dignity.BUCKTHORNstarts up stage;JENNYsprings after him, seizing his coat-tails.
JENNY. But I want to talk with you, papa; I can't fall out. I—I haven't finished yet. [Etc., clinging to his coat, asBUCKTHORNmarches out rapidly, in road,—holding back with all her might.
HAVERILL. It may have been a ruse of the enemy, but I hope that General Sheridan has turned back from Washington. [Looking at his note-book.] We are to make changes in our line at four o'clock this afternoon. [Returns book to pocket and stands in thought.] The Surgeon tells me that Kerchival West will get on well enough if he remains quiet; otherwise not. He shall not die by the hand of a common assassin; he has no right to die like that. My wife gave my own picture of herself to him—not to my son—and she looked so like an angel when she took it from my hand! They were both false to me, and they have been true to each other. I will save his life for myself.
EnterGERTRUDE,on veranda.
GERTRUDE. General Haverill! [Anxiously, coming down.] Colonel West persists in disobeying the injunctions of the Surgeon. He is preparing to join his regiment at the front. Give him your orders to remain here. Compel him to be prudent!
HAVERILL. [Quickly.] The honour of death at the front is not in reserve for him.
GERTRUDE. Eh? What did you say, General?
HAVERILL. Gertrude! I wish to speak to you, as your father's old friend; and I was once your guardian. Your father was my senior officer in the Mexican War. Without his care I should have been left dead in a foreign land. He, himself, afterwards fell fighting for the old flag.
GERTRUDE. The old flag. [Aside.] My father died for it, and he—[Looking left.]—is suffering for it—the old flag!
HAVERILL. I can now return the kindness your father did to me, by protecting his daughter from something that may be worse than death.
GERTRUDE. What do you mean?
HAVERILL. Last night I saw you kneeling at the side of Kerchival West; you spoke to him with all the tender passion of a Southern woman. You said you loved him. But you spoke into ears that could not hear you. Has he ever heard those words from your lips? Have you ever confessed your love to him before?
GERTRUDE. Never. Why do you ask?
HAVERILL. Do not repeat those words. Keep your heart to yourself, my girl.
GERTRUDE. General! Why do you say this to me? And at such a moment—when his life—
HAVERILL. His life! [Turning sharply.] It belongs to me!
GERTRUDE. Oh!
KERCHIVAL. Sergeant! [Without. He steps in front road, looking back.] See that my horse is ready at once. General! [Saluting.] Are there any orders for my regiment, beyond those given to Major Wilson, in my absence, this morning? I am about to ride on after the troops and re-assume my command.
HAVERILL. [Quietly.] It is my wish, Colonel, that you remain here under the care of the Surgeon.
KERCHIVAL. My wound is a mere trifle. This may be a critical moment in the campaign, and I cannot rest here. I must be with my own men.
HAVERILL. [Quietly.] I beg to repeat the wish I have already expressed. [KERCHIVALwalks to him, and speaks apart, almost under his breath, but very earnest in tone.
KERCHIVAL. I have had no opportunity, yet, to explain certain matters, as you requested me to do yesterday; but whatever there may be between us, you are now interfering with my duty and my privilege as a soldier; and it is my right to be at the head of my regiment.
HAVERILL. [Quietly.] It is my positive order that you do not reassume your command.
KERCHIVAL. General Haverill, I protest against this—
HAVERILL. [Quietly.] You are under arrest, sir.
KERCHIVAL. Arrest!
GERTRUDE. Ah! [KERCHIVALunclasps his belt and offers his sword toHAVERILL.
HAVERILL. [Quietly.] Keep your sword; I have no desire to humiliate you; but hold yourself subject to further orders from me. [KERCHIVALgoes up veranda.
KERCHIVAL. My regiment at the front!—and I under arrest! [Exit.
HAVERILL. Gertrude! If your heart refuses to be silent—if you feel that you must confess your love to that man—first tell him what I have said to you, and refer him to me for an explanation. [Exit into road.
GERTRUDE. What can he mean? He would save me from something worse than death, he said. "His life—it belongs to me!" What can he mean? Kerchival told me that he loved me—it seems many years since that morning in Charleston—and when we met again, yesterday, he said that he had never ceased to love me. I will not believe that he has told me a falsehood. I have given him my love, my whole soul and my faith. [Drawing up to her full height.] My perfect faith!
JENNYruns in from road, and up the slope. She looks down the hill, then enters.
JENNY. A flag of truce, Gertrude. And a party of Confederate soldiers, with an escort, coming up the hill. They are carrying someone; he is wounded.
Enter up the slope, aLIEUTENANT OF INFANTRYwith an escort of Union soldiers, their arms at right shoulder, and a party of Confederate soldiers bearing a rustic stretcher.LIEUTENANT FRANK BEDLOElies on the stretcher.MAJOR HARDWICK,a Confederate Surgeon, walks at his side.MADELINEappears at veranda, watching them.GERTRUDEstands with her back to audience. TheLIEUTENANTgives orders in a low tone, and the front escort moves to right, in road. The Confederate bearers and theSURGEONpass through the gate. The rear escort moves to left, in road, underLIEUTENANT'Sorders. The bearers halt, front; on a sign from theSURGEON,they leave the stretcher on the ground, stepping back.
MAJOR HARDWICK. Is General Haverill here?
GERTRUDE. Yes; what can we do, sir?
MADELINE. The General is just about mounting with his staff, to ride away. Shall I go for him, sir?
MAJOR. Say to him, please, that Colonel Robert Ellingham, of the Tenth Virginia, sends his respects and sympathy. He instructed me to bring this young officer to this point, in exchange for himself, as agreed upon between them last evening. [ExitMADELINE.
JENNY. Is he unconscious or sleeping, sir?
MAJOR. Hovering between life and death. I thought he would bear the removal better. He is waking. Here, my lad! [Placing his canteen to the lips ofFRANK,who moves, reviving.] We have reached the end of our journey.
FRANK. My father!
MAJOR. He is thinking of his home. [FRANKrises on one arm, assisted by theSURGEON.
FRANK. I have obeyed General Haverill's orders, and I have a report to make.
GERTRUDE. We have already sent for him. [Stepping to him.] He will be here in a moment.
FRANK. [Looking into her face, brightly.] Is not this—Miss—Gertrude Ellingham?
GERTRUDE. You know me? You have seen me before?
FRANK. Long ago! Long ago! You know the wife of General Haverill?
GERTRUDE. I have no dearer friend in the world.
FRANK. She will give a message for me to the dearest friendIhave in the world. My little wife! I must not waste even the moment we are waiting. Doctor! My note-book! [Trying to get it from his coat. TheSURGEONtakes it out. A torn and blood-stained lace handkerchief also falls out.GERTRUDEkneels at his side.] Ah! I—I—have a message from another—[Holding up handkerchief.]—from Captain Heartsease. [JENNYmakes a quick start towards him.] He lay at my side in the hospital, when they brought me away; he had only strength enough to put this in my hand, and he spoke a woman's name; but I—I—forgot what it is. The red spots upon it are the only message he sent. [GERTRUDEtakes the handkerchief and looks back atJENNY,extending her hand.JENNYmoves to her, takes the handkerchief and turns back, looking down on it. She drops her face into her hands and goes out sobbing.
EnterMADELINEon veranda.
MADELINE. General Haverill is coming. I was just in time. He was already on his horse.
FRANK. Ah! He is coming. [Then suddenly.] Write! Write! [GERTRUDEwrites in the note-book as he dictates.] "To—my wife—Edith:—Tell our little son, when he is old enough to know—how his father died; not how he lived. And tell her who filled my own mother's place so lovingly—she is your mother, too—that my father's portrait of her, which she gave to me in Charleston, helped me to be a better man!" And—oh! I must not forget this—"It was taken away from me while I was a prisoner in Richmond, and it is in the possession of Captain Henry Thornton, of the Confederate Secret Service. But her face is still beside your own in my heart. My best—warmest, last—love—to you, darling." I will sign it. [GERTRUDEholds the book, and he signs it, then sinks back very quietly, supported by theSURGEON. GERTRUDErises and walks right.
MADELINE. General Haverill is here. [TheSURGEONlays the fold of the blanket overFRANK'Sface and rises.
GERTRUDE. Doctor!
MAJOR. He is dead. [MADELINE,on veranda, turns and looks left. TheLIEUTENANTorders the guard,"Present Arms".EnterHAVERILL,onveranda. He salutes the guard as he passes. TheLIEUTENANTorders,"Carry Arms." HAVERILLcomes down.
HAVERILL. I am too late?
MAJOR. I'm sorry, General. His one eager thought as we came was to reach here in time to see you. [HAVERILLmoves to the bier, looks down at it, then folds back the blanket from the face. He starts slightly as he first sees it.
HAVERILL. Brave boy! I hoped once to have a son like you. I shall be in your father's place, to-day, at your grave. [He replaces the blanket and steps back.] We will carry him to his comrades in the front. He shall have a soldier's burial, in sight of the mountain-top beneath which he sacrificed his young life; that shall be his monument.
MAJOR. Pardon me, General. We Virginians are your enemies, but you cannot honour this young soldier more than we do. Will you allow my men the privilege of carrying him to his grave? [HAVERILLinclines his head. TheSURGEONmotions to the Confederate soldiers, who step to the bier and raise it gently.
HAVERILL. Lieutenant! [TheLIEUTENANTorders the guard,"Left Face."The Confederate bearers move through the gate, preceded byLIEUTENANT HARDWICK. HAVERILLdraws his sword, reverses it, and moves up behind the bier with bowed head. TheLIEUTENANTorders"Forward March,"and the cortège disappears. While the girls are still watching it, the heavy sound of distant artillery is heard, with booming reverberations among the hills and in the Valley.
MADELINE. What is that sound, Gertrude?
GERTRUDE. Listen! [Another and more prolonged distant sound, with long reverberations.
MADELINE. Again! Gertrude! [GERTRUDEraises her hand to command silence; listens. Distant cannon again.
GERTRUDE. It is the opening of a battle.
MADELINE. Ah! [Running down stage. The sounds again. Prolonged rumble.
GERTRUDE. How often have I heard that sound. [Coming down.] This is war, Madeline! You are face to face with it now.
MADELINE. And Robert is there! He may be in the thickest of the danger—at this very moment.
GERTRUDE. Yes. Let our prayers go up for him; mine do, with all a sister's heart. [KERCHIVALenters on veranda, without coat or vest, his sash about his waist, looking back as he comes in.] Kerchival!
KERCHIVAL. Go on! Go on! Keep the battle to yourselves. I'm out of it. [The distant cannon and reverberations rising in volume. Prolonged and distant rumble.
MADELINE. I pray for Robert Ellingham—and for thecausein which he risks his life! [KERCHIVALlooks at her, suddenly; alsoGERTRUDE.] Heaven forgive me if I am wrong, but I am praying for the enemies of my country. His people are my people, his enemies are my enemies. Heaven defend him and his, in this awful hour.
KERCHIVAL. Madeline! My sister!
MADELINE. Oh, Kerchival! [Turning and dropping her face on his breast.] I cannot help it—I cannot help it!
KERCHIVAL. My poor girl! Every woman's heart, the world over, belongs not to any country or any flag, but to her husband—and her lover. Pray for the man you love, sister—it would be treason not to. [Passes her before him to left. Looks across toGERTRUDE.] Am I right? [GERTRUDEdrops her head.MADELINEmoves up veranda and out.] Is what I have said to Madeline true?
GERTRUDE. Yes! [Looks up.] Kerchival!
KERCHIVAL. Gertrude! [Hurries across to her, clasps her in his arms.He suddenly staggers and brings his hand to his breast.
GERTRUDE. Your wound! [Supporting him as he reels and sinks into seat.
KERCHIVAL. Wound! I have no wound! You do love me! [Seizing her hand.
GERTRUDE. Let me call the Surgeon, Kerchival.
KERCHIVAL. You can be of more service to me than he can. [Detaining her. Very heavy sounds of the battle; she starts, listening.] Never mind that! It's only a battle. You love me!
GERTRUDE. Be quiet, Kerchival, dear. I do love you. I told you so, when you lay bleeding here, last night. But you could not hear me. [At his side, resting her arm about him, stroking his head.] I said that same thing—to—to—another, more than three years ago. It is in that letter that General Buckthorn gave you. [KERCHIVALstarts.] No—no—you must be very quiet, or I will not say another word. If you obey me, I will repeat that part of the letter, every word; I know it by heart, for I read it a dozen times. The letter is from Mrs. Haverill.
KERCHIVAL. [Quietly.] Go on.
GERTRUDE. "I have kept your secret, my darling, but I was sorely tempted to betray the confidence you reposed in me at Charleston. If Kerchival West—[She retires backward from him as she proceeds.]—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—"
KERCHIVAL. Ah! [Starting to his feet. He sinks back. She springs to support him.
GERTRUDE. I will go for help.
KERCHIVAL. Do not leave me at such a moment as this. You have brought me a new life. [Bringing her to her knees before him and looking down at her.] Heaven is just opening before me. [His hands drops suddenly and his head falls back. Battle.
GERTRUDE. Ah! Kerchival! You are dying! [Musketry. A sudden sharp burst of musketry, mingled with the roar of artillery near by.KERCHIVALstarts, seizingGERTRUDE'Sarm and holding her away, still on her knees. He looks eagerly.
KERCHIVAL. The enemy is close upon us!
BARKETruns in, up the slope.
BARKET. Colonel Wist! The devils have sprung out of the ground.They're pouring over our lift flank like Noah's own flood. The UnionArmy has started back for Winchester, on its way to the North Pole;our own regiment, Colonel, is coming over the hill in full retrate.
KERCHIVAL. My own regiment! [Starting up.] Get my horse, Barket. [Turns.] Gertrude, my life! [EmbracesGERTRUDE.
BARKET. Your horse, is it? I'm wid ye! There's a row at Finnegan's ball, and we're in it. [Springs to road, and out.
KERCHIVAL. [Turns away. Stops.] I am under arrest. [Retreat.Fugitives begin to straggle across stage.
GERTRUDE. You must not go, Kerchival; it will kill you.
KERCHIVAL. Arrest be damned! [Starts up stage, raises his arms above his head with clenched fist, rising to full height.] Stand out of my way, you cowards! [They cower away from him as he rushes out among them. The stream of fugitives passing across stage swells in volume.GERTRUDEruns through them and up to the elevation, turning.
GERTRUDE. Men! Are you soldiers? Turn back! There is a leader for you! Turn back! Fight for your flag—and mine!—the flag my father died for! Turn back! [She looks out and turns front.] He has been marked for death already, and I—I can only pray. [Dropping to her knees.
The stream of fugitives continues, now over the elevation also. Rough and torn uniforms, bandaged arms and legs; some limping and supported by others, some dragging their muskets after them, others without muskets, others using them as crutches. Variety of uniforms, cavalry, infantry, etc.; flags draggled on the ground, the rattle of near musketry and roar of cannon continue; two or three wounded fugitives drop down beside the hedge.BENSONstaggers in and drops upon rock or stump near post. Artillerists, rough, torn and wounded, drag and force a field-piece across.CORPORAL DUNN,wounded, staggers to the top of elevation. There is a lull in the sounds of the battle. Distant cheers are heard without.
CORPORAL DUNN. Listen, fellows! Stop! Listen! Sheridan! General Sheridan is coming! [Cheers from those on stage.GERTRUDErises quickly. The wounded soldiers rise, looking over hedge. All on stage stop, looking eagerly. The cheers without come nearer, with shouts of"Sheridan! Sheridan!"] The horse is down; he is worn out.
GERTRUDE. No! He is up again! He is on my Jack! Now, for your life, Jack, and for me! You've never failed me yet. [The cheers without now swell to full volume and are taken up by those on the stage. The horse sweeps by withGENERAL SHERIDAN.] Jack! Jack!! Jack!!! [Waving her arms as he passes. She throws up her arms and falls backward, caught byDUNN.The stream of men is reversed and surges across stage to road and on elevation, with shouts, throwing up hats, etc. The field-piece is forced up the slope with a few bold, rough movements; the artillerists are loading it, and the stream of returning fugitives is still surging by in the road as the curtain falls.
TIME.Afternoon.
DISCOVERED. MRS. HAVERILL,in armchair, resting her face upon her hand, and looking into the fire.EDITHis on a low stool at her side, sewing a child's garment.
EDITH. It seems hardly possible that the war is over, and that General Lee has really surrendered. [Fife and drum, without.] There is music in the streets nearly all the time, now, and everybody looks so cheerful and bright. [Distant fife and drums heard playing "Johnnie Comes Marching Home."EDITHsprings up and runs up to window, looking out.] More troops returning! The old tattered battle-flag is waving in the wind, and people are running after them so merrily. [Music stops.] Every day, now, seems like a holiday. [Coming down.] The war is over. All the women ought to feel very happy, whose—whose husbands are—coming back to them.
MRS. HAVERILL. Yes, Edith; those women whose—husbands are coming back to them. [Still looking into fire.
EDITH. Oh! [Dropping upon the stool, her head upon the arm of the chair.
MRS. HAVERILL. [Resting her arm over her.] My poor little darling!Yourhusband will not come back.
EDITH. Frank's last message has never reached me.
MRS. HAVERILL. No; but you have one sweet thought always with you. Madeline West heard part of it, as Gertrude wrote it down. His last thought was a loving one, of you.
EDITH. Madeline says that he was thinking of you, too. He knew that you were taking such loving care of his little one, and of me. You have always done that, since you first came back from Charleston, and found me alone in New York.
MRS. HAVERILL. I found a dear, sweet little daughter. [Stroking her head.] Heaven sent you, darling! You have been a blessing to me. I hardly know how I should have got through the past few months at all without you at my side.
EDITH. What is your own trouble, dear? I have found you in tears so often; and since last October, after the battle of Cedar Creek, you—you have never shown me a letter from—from my—Frank's father. General Haverill arrived in Washington yesterday, but has not been here yet. Is it because I am here? He has never seen me, and I feel that he has never forgiven Frank for marrying me.
MRS. HAVERILL. Nonsense, my child; he did think the marriage was imprudent, but he told me to do everything I could for you. If General Haverill has not been to see either of us, since his arrival in Washington, it is nothing that you need to worry your dear little head about. How are you getting on with your son's wardrobe?
EDITH. Oh! Splendidly! Frankie isn't a baby any longer; he's a man, now, and he has to wear a man's clothes. [Holding up a little pair of trousers, with maternal pride.] He's rather young to be dressed like a man, but I want Frank to grow up as soon as possible. I long to have him old enough to understand me when I repeat to him the words in which General Haverill told the whole world how his father died! [Rising.] And yet, even in his official report to the Government, he only honoured him as Lieutenant Bedloe. He has never forgiven his son for the disgrace he brought upon his name.
MRS. HAVERILL. I know him so well—[Rising.]—the unyielding pride, that conquers even the deep tenderness of his nature. He can be silent, though his own heart is breaking. [Aside.] He can be silent, too, thoughmyheart is breaking. [Dropping her face in her hand.
EDITH.Mother![Putting her arm about her.
EnterJANNETTE.
JANNETTE. A letter for you, Madam.
MRS. HAVERILL. [Taking note. Aside.] He has answered me. [Opens and reads; inclines her head toJANNETTE,who goes out to hall. Aloud.] General Haverill will be here this afternoon, Edith. [Exit up the stairs.
EDITH. There is something that she cannot confide to me, or to anyone. General Haverill returned to Washington yesterday, and he has not been here yet. He will be here to-day. I always tremble when I think of meeting him.
GENERAL BUCKTHORNappears in hall.
BUCKTHORN. Come right in; this way, Barket. Ah, Edith!
BARKET. [Entering.] As I was saying, sur—just after the battle ofSayder Creek began—
BUCKTHORN. [ToEDITH.] More good news! The war is, indeed, over, now!
BARKET. Whin Colonel Wist rode to the front to mate his raytrating rigiment—
BUCKTHORN. General Johnson has surrendered his army, also; and that, of course, does end the war.
EDITH. I'm very glad that all the fighting is over.
BUCKTHORN. So am I; but my occupation, and old Barket's, too, is gone.Always at work on new clothes for our little soldier?
EDITH. He's growing so, I can hardly make them fast enough for him. But this is the time for his afternoon nap. I must go now, to see if he is sleeping soundly.
BUCKTHORN. Our dear little mother! [Tapping her chin.] I always claim the privilege of my white hair, you know. [She, puts up her lips; he kisses her. She goes out.] The sweetest young widow I ever saw! [BARKETcoughs.BUCKTHORNturns sharply;BARKETsalutes.] Well! What the devil are you thinking about now?
BARKET. The ould time, sur. Yer honour used to claim the same privilege for brown hair.
BUCKTHORN. You old rascal! What a memory you have! You were telling me for the hundredth time about the battle of Cedar Creek; go on. I can never hear it often enough. Kerchival West was a favourite of mine, poor fellow!
BARKET. Just afther the battle of Sayder Creek began, when the Colonel rode to the front to mate his raytrating rigiment—
BUCKTHORN. I'll tell Old Margery to bring in tea for both of us,Barket.
BARKET. For both of us, sur?
BUCKTHORN. Yes; and later in the evening we'll have something else, together. This is a great day for all of us. I'm not your commander to-day, but your old comrade in arms—[Laying his arm overBARKET'Sshoulder.]—and I'm glad I don't have to pull myself up now every time I forget my dignity. Ah! you and I will be laid away before long, but we'll be together again in the next world, won't we, Barket?
BARKET. Wid yer honour's permission. [Saluting.
BUCKTHORN. Ha—ha—ha! [Laughing.] If we do meet there I'm certain you'll salute me as your superior officer. There's old Margery, now. [Looking to door. Calls.] Margery! Tea for two!
MARGERY. [Without.] The tay be waiting for ye, sur; and it be boilin' over wid impatience.
BUCKTHORN. Bring up a chair, Barket. [Sitting in arm-chair.
BARKET. [Having placed table and drawing up a chair.] Do you know,Gineral, I don't fale quite aisy in my moind. I'm not quite sure thatMargery will let us take our tay together. [Sits down, doubtfully.
BUCKTHORN. I hadn't thought of that. I—[Glancing right.]—I hope she will, Barket. But, of course, if she won't—she's been commander-in-chief of my household ever since Jenny was a baby.
BARKET. At Fort Duncan, in Texas.
BUCKTHORN. You and Old Margery never got along very well in those days; but I thought you had made it all up; she nursed you through your wound, last summer, and after the battle of Cedar Creek, also.
BARKET. Yis, sur, bliss her kind heart, she's been like a wife to me; and that's the trouble. A man's wife is such an angel when he's ill that he dreads to get well; good health is a misfortune to him. Auld Margery and I have had anither misunderstanding.
BUCKTHORN. I'll do the best I can for both of us, Barket. You were telling me about the battle of—
BARKET. Just afther the battle of Sayder Creek began, whin ColonelWist rode to the front to mate his raytrating rigiment—
EnterOLD MARGERY,tray, tea, &c. She stops abruptly, looking atBARKET.He squirms in his chair.BUCKTHORNrises and stands with his back to the mantel.OLD MARGERYmoves to the table, arranges things on it, glances atBARKET,then atBUCKTHORN,who looks up at ceiling, rubbing his chin, &c.OLD MARGERYtakes up one of the cups, with saucer.
OLD MARGERY. I misunderstood yer order, sur. I see there's no one here but yerself. [Going right.
BUCKTHORN. Ah, Margery! [She stops.] Barket tells me that there has been a slight misunderstanding between you and him.
OLD MARGERY. Day before yisterday, the ould Hibernian dhrone had the kitchen upside down, to show anither old milithary vagabone loike himself how the battle of Sayder Creek was fought. He knocked the crame pitcher into the basket of clane clothes, and overturned some raspberry jam and the flat-irons into a pan of fresh eggs. Therehasbeen a misunderstanding betwane us.
BUCKTHORN. I see there has. I suppose Barket was showing his friend how Colonel Kerchival West rode forward to meet his regiment, when he was already wounded dangerously.
OLD MARGERY. Bliss the poor, dear young man! He and I was always good frinds, though he was somethin' of a devil in the kitchen himself, whin he got there. [Wiping her eye with one corner of her apron.] And bliss the young Southern lady that was in love wid him, too. [Changing the cup and wiping the other eye with the corner of her apron.] Nothing was iver heard of ayther of thim after that battle was over, to this very day.
BUCKTHORN. Barket was at Kerchival's side when he rode to the front. [OLD MARGERYhesitates a moment, then moves to the table, sets down the cup and marches out.BUCKTHORNsits in the arm-chair again, pouring tea.] I could always find some way to get Old Margery to do what I wanted her to do.
BARKET. You're a great man, Ginerel; we'd niver have conquered theSouth widout such men.
BUCKTHORN. Now go on, Barket; you were interrupted.
BARKET. Just afther the battle of Sayder Creek began, whin—
EnterJANNETTEwith card, which she hands toBUCKTHORN.
BUCKTHORN. [Reading card.] Robert Ellingham! [Rises.] I will go to him. [ToJANNETTE.] Go upstairs and tell Madeline to come down.
JANNETTE. Yes, sir. [Going.
BUCKTHORN. And, Jannette, simply say there is a caller; don't tell her who is here. [ExitJANNETTEupstairs.BUCKTHORNfollows her out to hall.] Ellingham! My dear fellow! [Extending his hand and disappearing.
BARKET. Colonel Ellingham and Miss Madeline—lovers! That's the kind o' volunteers the country nades now!
EnterBUCKTHORNandELLINGHAM.
BUCKTHORN. [As he enters.] We've been fighting four years to keep you out of Washington, Colonel, but we are delighted to see you within the lines, now.
ELLINGHAM. I am glad, indeed, General, to have so warm a welcome. But can you tell me anything about my sister, Gertrude?
BUCKTHORN. About your sister? Why, can't you tell us? And have you heard nothing of Kerchival West on your side of the line?
ELLINGHAM. All I can tell you is this: As soon as possible after our surrender at Appomattox, I made my way to the Shenandoah Valley. Our home there is utterly deserted. I have hurried down to Washington in the hopes that I might learn something of you. There is no human being about the old homestead; it is like a haunted house—empty, and dark, and solitary. You do not even know where Gertrude is?
BUCKTHORN. We only know that Kerchival was not found among the dead of his own regiment at Cedar Creek, though he fell among them during the fight. The three girls searched the field for him, but he was not there. As darkness came on, and they were returning to the house, Gertrude suddenly seized the bridle of a stray horse, sprang upon its back and rode away to the South, into the woods at the foot of Three Top Mountain. The other two girls watched for her in vain. She did not return, and we have heard nothing from her since.
ELLINGHAM. Poor girl! I understand what was in her thoughts, and she was right. We captured fourteen hundred prisoners that day, although we were defeated, and Kerchival must have been among them. Gertrude rode away, alone, in the darkness, to find him. I shall return to the South at once and learn where she now is.
JANNETTEhas re-entered, down the stairs.
JANNETTE. Miss Madeline will be down in a moment. [Exit in hall.
BARKET. [Aside.] That name wint through his chist like a rifle ball.
BUCKTHORN. Will you step into the drawing-room, Colonel? I will seeMadeline myself, first. She does not even know that you are living.
ELLINGHAM. I hardly dared asked for her. [Passing; turns.] Is she well?
BUCKTHORN. Yes; and happy—or soon will be.
ELLINGHAM. Peace, at last! [Exit to apartment.BUCKTHORNcloses portières.
BUCKTHORN. I ought to prepare Madeline a little, Barket; you must help me.
BARKET. Yis, sur, I will.
EnterMADELINEdown the stairs.
MADELINE. Uncle! Jannette said you wished to see me; there is a visitor here. Who is it?
BARKET. Colonel Robert Ellingham.
MADELINE. Ah! [Staggering.
BUCKTHORN. [Supporting her.] You infernal idiot! I'll put you in the guard-house!
BARKET. You wanted me to help ye, Gineral.
MADELINE. Robert is alive—and here? [Rising from his arms, she moves to the portières, holds them aside, peeping in; gives a joyful start, tosses aside the portières and runs through.
BUCKTHORN. Barket! There's nothing but that curtain between us andHeaven.
BARKET. I don't like stayin' out o' Hivin, myself, sur. Gineral! I'll kiss Ould Margery—if I die for it! [Exit.
BUCKTHORN. Kiss Old Margery! I'll give him a soldier's funeral. [EnterJENNYfrom hall, demurely.] Ah! Jenny, my dear! I have news for you. Colonel Robert Ellingham is in the drawing-room.
JENNY. Oh! I am delighted. [Starting.
BUCKTHORN. A-h-e-m!
JENNY. Oh!—exactly. I see. I have some news foryou,papa. CaptainHeartsease has arrived in Washington.
BUCKTHORN. Oh! My dear! I have often confessed to you how utterly mistaken I was about that young man. He is a soldier—as good a soldier as you are. I'll ask him to the house.
JENNY. [Demurely.] He is here now.
BUCKTHORN. Now?
JENNY. He's been here an hour; in the library.
BUCKTHORN. Why! Barket and I were in the library fifteen minutes ago.
JENNY. Yes, sir. We were in the bay-window; the curtains were closed.
BUCKTHORN. Oh! exactly; I see. You may tell him he has my full consent.
JENNY. He hasn't asked for it.
BUCKTHORN. Hasn't he? And you've been in the bay-window an hour? Well, my darling—I was considered one of the best Indian fighters in the old army, but it took me four years to propose to your mother. I'll go and see the Captain. [Exit to hall.
JENNY. I wonder if it will take Captain Heartsease four years to propose to me. Before he left Washington, nearly two years ago, he told everybody in the circle of my acquaintance, except me, that he was in love with me. I'll be an old lady in caps before our engagement commences. Poor, dear mother! The idea of a girl's waiting four years for a chance to say "Yes." It's been on the tip of my tongue so often, I'm afraid it'll pop out, at last, before he pops the question.
EnterBUCKTHORNandHEARTSEASEfrom hall.
BUCKTHORN. Walk right in, Captain; this is the family room. You must make yourself quite at home here.
HEARTSEASE. Thank you. [Walking down.
BUCKTHORN. My dear! [Apart toJENNY.] The very first thing he said to me, after our greeting, was that he loved my daughter.
JENNY. Now he's told my father!
BUCKTHORN. He's on fire!
JENNY. Is he? [Looking atHEARTSEASE,who stands quietly stroking his mustache.] Why doesn't he tellme?
BUCKTHORN. You may have to help him a little; your mother assisted me. [Turning up stage.] When you and Jenny finish your chat, Captain—[Lighting a cigar at the mantel.]—you must join me in the smoking-room.
HEARTSEASE. I shall be delighted. By the way, General—I have been in such a fever of excitement since I arrived at this house—
JENNY. [Aside.] Fever? Chills!
HEARTSEASE. That I forgot it entirely. I have omitted a very importantand a very sad commission. I have brought with me the note-book ofLieutenant Frank Bedloe—otherwise Haverill—in which Miss GertrudeEllingham wrote down his last message to his young wife.
JENNY. Have you seen Gertrude?
BUCKTHORN. [Taking book.] How did this note-book come into your possession?
HEARTSEASE. Miss Ellingham visited the prison in North Carolina whereI was detained. She was going from hospital to hospital, from prisonto prison, and from burial-place to burial-place, to find ColonelKerchival West, if living—or some record of his death.
BUCKTHORN. Another Evangeline! Searching for her lover through the wilderness of this great war!
HEARTSEASE. I was about to be exchanged at the time, and she requested me to bring this to her friends in Washington. She had not intended to carry it away with her. I was not exchanged, as we then expected, but I afterwards escaped from prison to General Sherman's army.
BUCKTHORN. I will carry this long-delayed message to the widowed young mother. [Exit.
JENNY. I remember so well, when poor Lieutenant Haverill took out the note-book and asked Gertrude to write for him. He—he brought me a message at the same time. [Their eyes meet. He puts up his glasses. She turns away, touching her eyes.
HEARTSEASE. I—I remember the circumstances you probably allude to; that is—when he left my side—I—I gave him my—I mean your—lace handkerchief.
JENNY. It is sacred to me!
HEARTSEASE. Y-e-s—I would say—is it?
JENNY. [Wiping her eyes.] It was stained with the life-blood of a hero!
HEARTSEASE. I must apologize to you for its condition. I hadn't any chance to have it washed and ironed.
JENNY. [Looking around at him, suddenly; then, aside.] What could any girl do with a lover like that? [Turning up stage.
HEARTSEASE. [Aside.] She seems to remember that incident so tenderly! My blood boils!
JENNY. Didn't you long to see your—your friends at home—when you were in prison, Captain?
HEARTSEASE. Yes—especially—I longed especially, Miss Buckthorn, to see—
JENNY.Yes!—to see—
HEARTSEASE. But there were lots of jolly fellows in the prison. [JENNYturns away.] We had a dramatic society, and a glee club, and an orchestra. I was one of the orchestra. I had a banjo, with one string; I played one tune on it, that I used to play on the piano with one finger. But, Miss Buckthorn, I am a prisoner again, to-night—your prisoner.
JENNY. [Aside.] At last!
HEARTSEASE. I'll show you how that tune went. [Turns to piano; sits.
JENNY. [Aside.] Papa said I'd have to help him, but I don't see an opening. [HEARTSEASEplays part of an air with one finger; strikes two or three wrong notes.
HEARTSEASE. There are two notes down there, somewhere, that I never could get right. The fellows in prison used to dance while I played—[Playing.]—that is, the lame ones did; those that weren't lame couldn't keep the time.
JENNY. You must have been in great danger, Captain, when you escaped from prison.
HEARTSEASE. Y-e-s. I was badly frightened several times. One nightI came face to face, on the road, with a Confederate officer. It wasCaptain Thornton.
JENNY. Oh! What did you do?
HEARTSEASE. I killed him. [Very quietly, and trying the tune again at once. EnterJANNETTE,from in hall; she glances into the room and goes up the stairs.] I used to skip those two notes on the banjo. It's very nice for a soldier to come home from the war, and meet those—I mean the one particular person—that he—you see, when a soldier loves a woman, as—as—
JENNY. [Aside.] As he loves me. [Approaches him.
HEARTSEASE. As soldiers often do—[Plays; she turns away, petulantly; he plays the tune through correctly.] That's it!
JENNY. [Aside.] I'm not going to be made love to by piece-meal, like this, any longer. [Aloud.] Captain Heartsease! Have you anything in particular to say to me? [He looks up.
HEARTSEASE. Y-e-s. [Rising.
JENNY. Say it! You told my father, and all my friends, that you were in love with me. Whom are you going to tell next?
HEARTSEASE. Iamin love with you.
JENNY. It was my turn.
HEARTSEASE. [Going near to her.] Do you love me?
JENNY. [Laying her head quietly on his breast.] I must take time to consider.
HEARTSEASE. [Quietly.] I assume that this means "Yes."
JENNY. It isn't the way a girl says "No."
HEARTSEASE. My darling!
JENNY. Why! His heart is beating as fast as mine is!
HEARTSEASE. [Quietly.] I am frantic with joy. [He kisses her. She hides her face on his breast. EnterMRS. HAVERILL,down-stairs, followed byJANNETTE. MRS. HAVERILLstops suddenly.JANNETTEstands in the doorway.HEARTSEASEinclines his head to her, quietly looking at her overJENNY.] I am delighted to see you, after so long an absence; I trust that we shall meet more frequently hereafter.
JENNY. [Looking at him.] Eh?
HEARTSEASE. [Looking down at her.] I think, perhaps, it might be as well for us to repair to another apartment, and continue our interview, there!
JENNY. [Dropping her head on his breast again.] This room is very comfortable.
MRS. HAVERILL. Jenny, dear! [JENNYstarts up; looks fromMRS.HAVERILLtoHEARTSEASE.
JENNY. Constance! I—'Bout face! March! [Turns and goes out.
MRS. HAVERILL. I am glad to see you again, Captain, and happy as well as safe.
HEARTSEASE. Thank you, Madam. I am happy. If you will excuse me, I will join—my father—in the smoking-room. [MRS. HAVERILLinclines her head, andHEARTSEASEwalks out.
MRS. HAVERILL. Jannette! You may ask General Haverill to come into this room. [ExitJANNETTE. MRS. HAVERILLwalks down, reading a note.] "I have hesitated to come to you personally, as I have hesitated to write to you. If I have been silent, it is because I could not bring my hand to write what was in my mind and in my heart. I do not know that I can trust my tongue to speak it, but I will come."
EnterHAVERILLfrom hall; he stops.
HAVERILL. Constance!
MRS. HAVERILL. My husband! May I call you husband? After all these months of separation, with your life in almost daily peril, and my life—what? Only a weary longing for one loving word—and you are silent.
HAVERILL. May I call you wife? I do not wish to speak that word except with reverence. You have asked me to come to you. I am here. I will be plain, direct and brief. Where is the portrait of yourself, which I gave you, in Charleston, for my son?
MRS. HAVERILL. Your son is dead, sir; and my portrait lies upon his breast, in the grave. [HAVERILLtakes the miniature from his pocket and holds it towards her in his extended hand. She starts back.] He gave it to you? And you ask me where it is?
HAVERILL. It might have lain in the grave of Kerchival West!
MRS. HAVERILL. Ah!
HAVERILL. Not in my son's. I found it uponhisbreast. [She turns front, dazed.] Well! I am listening! It was not I that sought this interview, Madam; and if you prefer to remain silent, I will go. You know, now, why I have been silent so long.
MRS. HAVERILL. My only witnesses to the truth are both dead. I shall remain silent. [Turning towards him.] We stand before each other, living, but not so happy as they. We are parted, forever. Even if you should accept my unsupported word—if I could so far forget my pride as to give it to you—suspicion would still hang between us. I remain silent. [HAVERILLlooks at her, earnestly, for a moment; then approaches her.
HAVERILL. I cannot look into your eyes and not see truth and loyalty there. Constance!
MRS. HAVERILL. No, John! [Checking him.] I will not accept your blind faith!
HAVERILL. [Looking down at the picture in his hand.] My faith is blind; blind as my love! I do not wish to see! [EnterEDITH.She stops; looks atHAVERILL.He raises his head and looks at her.
EDITH. This is General Haverill? [Dropping her eyes.] I am Edith, sir.
HAVERILL. [Gently.] My son's wife. [Kisses her forehead.] You shall take the place he once filled in my heart. His crime and his disgrace are buried in a distant grave.
EDITH. And you have not forgiven him, even yet?
MRS. HAVERILL. Is there no atonement for poor Frank's sin—not even his death? Can you only bury the wrong and forget the good?
HAVERILL. The good?
MRS. HAVERILL. Your own words to the Government, as his commander!
HAVERILL. What do you mean?
MRS. HAVERILL. "The victory of Cedar Creek would have been impossible without the sacrifice of this young officer."
HAVERILL. My own words, yes—but—
EDITH. "His name must take its place, forever, in the roll of names which his countrymen honour."
HAVERILL. Lieutenant Bedloe!
MRS. HAVERILL. Haverill! You did not know?
HAVERILL. My—son.
EDITH. You did not receive mother's letter?—after his death?
HAVERILL. My son! [Sinking upon chair or ottoman.] I left him alone in his grave, unknown; but my tears fell for him then, as they do now. He died before I reached him.
EDITH. Father! [Laying her hand gently on his shoulder.] You shall see Frank's face again. His little son is lying asleep upstairs; and when he wakes up, Frank's own eyes will look into yours. I have just received his last message. I will read it to you. [Note-book. Reads.] "Tell our little son how his father died, not how he lived. And tell her who filled my own mother's place so lovingly." [She looks atMRS. HAVERILL,moves to her and hides her face in her bosom.] My mother!