The Southern Cross | Page 7

is a young fellow of about
twenty-one, Charlotte's brother, somewhat smaller though much like
George in manner. He rushes to Charlotte, who throws her arms around
his neck. Gordon Cabell is a boy of some twenty-five years, with a
quiet, serious way about him. He stands slightly at the back during the
meeting of the others. He then comes forward and greets all the people
in the scene, not forgetting the negroes. All three wear Confederate
uniforms of different rank, and all are very dirty and much spattered
with old mud stains. During the following scene the sunlight begins to
fade and the twilight to gather. After greeting all three young men with

a warm hand-shake and a hearty "Gaud bless you, honey," or "Gaud be
praised, yous here," Aunt Marthy exits into the house.
Mrs. S. Oh, my boys! My dear boys! It is so good to have you here!
George. And, father, how's the leg--nearly well again?
Col. S. How have you boys come? We had no idea you were even near
us.
George. We've only a short time. My company is reconnoitering and is
camped a mile down the road. We must go on to-night. Carter and
Gordon are with us for a day or so. They're trying for some information
Morgan has to have.
Carter. We got word only yesterday that the Twelfth Massachusetts was
ordered South. Morgan thinks the report true and sent Gordon and
myself to reconnoiter.
Col. S. You think the Twelfth Massachusetts is coming to this part of
the state? How did he hear it? (Turns to Mrs S.) Stephen Winthrop is in
command.
[Fair, who has been talking to Carter, turns quickly, listening.
Mrs. S. Not Stephen, our own cousin, in arms against the South! And
coming here!
Col. S. His father is a Northern man; we must not judge for him.
Fair (to George). Why must you go back to the camp to-night?
George. We have a long march for to-morrow. Our leave of absence is
only for two hours.
Mrs. S. Then we must lose no time. You boys are hungry; I am sure of
it. Come into the house and we'll talk while you eat.
[They start towards the house. George and Charlotte are behind the rest.

He takes her hand, speaking softly only to her.
George. Wait with me here for just a moment. (Then to his mother);
We'll come, in just a moment, mother.
Mrs. S. (smiles at him then, as the others enter house). I'll call you
when we are ready.
[Exit.
[Charlotte turns, facing him; he takes her other hand, looking long and
lovingly into her face.
Char. I can hardly think you're real. But you are here: you have come
back to me.
George. And if the time has been long to you, how about me there in
the camp?
Char. I try not to think about that part--only of how I love you! That
makes up to me for all the rest.
George. We can't think of ourselves in times like these. But I may think
of you. You're in my heart each moment of the day and in my dreams at
night (He bends over her). My own sweetheart, I wonder if you know
or even guess how dear you are to me!
Char. I measure your love with my own for you. That's fair enough, and
so I think--I think I know how much you love me.
[George has been leaning tenderly over her as she sits on the bench. He
now comes and sits beside her, taking one of her hands in both his own.
George. I want your promise for one thing--one thing that will make
me the happiest, proudest man in the world.
Char. What more can I promise you? I've given you myself. What
more--

George (impulsively leaning closer to her). Marry me to-night!
Char. To-night! Why, I--I--
George. Yes, to-night! We may go for a long campaign South. I may
not come again for months. Let me be sure you are my own before I go.
I'll get the chaplain here in half an hour.
Char. To-night! But, George, I--I--of course, I'll marry you if you think
best, but--
George (delighted). But what? Nothing in all the world can matter if
you marry me to-night.
Char. But I haven't any dress.
George (laughing). What does that matter? Why not the one you have
on now? I never saw you look more lovely.
Char. Oh, I have one other: a nicer one than this (happily). Well, this
will do if it pleases you.
[He gently puts his arm around her.
George. As if I cared. We'll tell them all and have the wedding. You've
only twenty minutes now to make your wedding dress.
[Laughs, leans over, and kisses her.