The Southern Cross | Page 6

George and Carter and Gordon--all of them in the
army. Now that Bev wants to go, I don't see how we can bear that.
Fair (quietly). I sometimes think of it, and then a great wave of terror
seems to pass over me and leave me frantic at the thought. I feel as
though I must tear things with my hands and scream, and go out too
with them and fight--just to be near them. And then I feel ashamed to
seem so weak. And then I think about the day they brought Phil's body
home, and how mother didn't shed a tear. She looked so strange and
white, as we walked down through the garden to the grave, I took her
hand; it was like marble! Then she looked down at Bev on one side and
at me close by her on the other, and softly smiled--smiled as she does
when she is very proud and pleased. She spoke just as we came close
by the grave. We three stood very near to Phil, and as they lifted him,
she spoke: "He was the first, and I have loved him best," and then she
smiled again, and softly drew away her hand and laid it for one moment
on the coffin, as though caressing it. Then bending close down by his
side, she spoke, as though to him: "Well done, my own soldier man!
The heavenly hosts are proud of your enlistment!" (A pause). You
wonder then that I'm ashamed to show my fear of losing Bev?
Char. Heroes like that are born--not made.
[Enter from the garden Mrs. S. and Col. S., and Bev who walks

between them. He is talking eagerly, as though afraid of opposition.
Col. S. looks troubled. Mrs. S. looks strangely pale and quiet.
Bev. And, father, you see it's nearly finished now. Of course, I'll wait
till George has a place for me; but Fair and I just wanted to be all ready.
She did it all herself. (He holds up the coat). And it fits too, all except
one place, and she'll fix that. Oh, father, mother, you'll let me
go--sometime--of course, not now--but when I'm needed.
Col. S. You shall go when the right time comes. When George comes,
have your talk with him. First, your duty as a soldier is always to obey.
Do as he says. Ride straight; you can do that already. Shoot straight;
that you can learn. Live straight; that you will do. And last of all, if
need be, boy, die with your face straight to the front.
Bev (clasping his hand and looking up into his face). Oh, father, if I
only get the chance, I'll show you I can do them all!
Mrs. S. And when you've ridden and fought and lived as straight as I,
your mother, know you will, there's one thing more for me to ask--(she
softly lays her hand on his hair, looking down into his face)--Oh, little
Bev, my own, own little boy, let your last ride be straight back home to
me.
[She kisses him.
[During this last speech Aunt Marthy has come out on the porch with
the supper bell in her hand. She is about to ring it when she pauses
listening, looking off down the road.
Aunt M. 'Pears like I hears a hoss, er lot ob hosses. Dar de is, galloping
on de gret rode!
[All the others turn to listen.
Col. S. They're cavalry, as sure as I'm living!
[Fair and Bev run to the gate and stand, eagerly looking down the road.

The sound of horses' hoofs (off Right) grows louder and more distinct.
Bev (excited). They're some of our men, sure. I see the gray! Look,
look, Fair! They're turning in the gate. See, now, they're in the avenue!
[Enter, hurriedly, Cupid (Left) by the road.
Cupid. I hears dem hosses, I does sho. I knows dat sorrel's gallup fer as
I kin hear hit; dat roan's pace come to me fo' she turn off de road.
Char. George! Oh, can it be George coming home?
Cupid. Fo' Gaud, ef it ain't Mars George and Mars Carter and Mars
Gordon!
[The sound of horses is very near.
Mrs. S. Oh, George! Is he really here?
Bev (gives cheer). It's our boys, sure as you're born!
[Noise of horses' feet stops. Sound of voices: "Whoa, boy! whoa there!"
Cupid runs off (Right), the others start to the gate.
[Enter (Right) by the road, George Stuart, Carter Hillary and Gordon
Cabell. George is a handsome young man of about twenty three or four;
tall, well built, and with a gay, cheerful manner. He rushes into his
mother's arms; she holds him for a long embrace, while Fair and Bev
clamor for their turn. Carter Hillary