The Southern Cross | Page 9

so
easy to say that to you now. Say you love me!
Fair (quietly and with an effort at calmness). Of course, I love you,
Carter. You are my cousin, my kinsman, my own dear friend. Why,
ever since I can remember I have loved you. But--but--such love as this
you ask for now--Oh, Carter, can't you see--I cannot love you in that
way.
Carter. But you can learn. Oh, surely, you can learn to love me! I've

loved you for so long! It won't be hard to show you how that love can
grow. Why, ever since you were a tiny little girl, I have loved you and
watched over you and taken care of you. Do you remember that day, so
many years ago, when you ran away and walked far down the road to
meet your father? You thought you would surprise him as he came
back home from town. You never thought how far you were from home.
You walked and walked until you were so tired you sat down by the
road to wait. It was growing late, and you were frightened at the
darkness coming on, and you began to cry--for you were such a little
girl, and it was getting very dark. And then I came along and found you.
You thought at first I was a bear; but when I spoke, you ran right into
my arms and kissed me, and said you were so glad I'd come to take you
home. Ever since that day I've loved you--loved with all my heart, with
all my soul! Now, I must give this love to you. Look at me--speak to
me--say you will try! Say I may keep you in my heart, as I have done
ever since that day, so many years ago!
[Fair has stood looking off into the sunset. She turns slowly, then
speaks.
[Gordon enters at gate unseen by them.
Fair (in a very low voice). Carter, you know I love and trust you, and
you know it's like tearing my heart strings to tell you this. But it is
because I love and trust you as I do that I must tell you. (Slowly)--I
cannot give my heart, or my life to you. They are not mine! Now!
Carter (slowly realizing). You mean--
Fair (in agony). I love him--
Carter (in a strange voice). I may not ask you--who?
Fair. Better no, my dearest Carter.
Carter (turns to the house, all the life and happiness gone from his face).
Will you come in? We have not long before the wedding.

[Exit into house.
[Gordon comes slowly to Fair who has sunk down upon the bench,
sobbing softly to herself.
Gordon. Fair!
[She looks up quickly.
Fair. Gordon! You heard--you heard what we said!
Gordon. Only that your love was not for one of us.
Fair (dazed). For--one--of--us. (Looking up into his face)--Gordon, do
you love me, too? And you have heard!
Gordon. You must forgive me, even though you find that happiness
with one who is our enemy.
Fair (shrinking wildly back). You know--you have found out! How
have you learned that I--that we--
Gordon. It was not hard to see. (He comes nearer, laying his hand softly
on her hair). Poor little pretty Fair! I saw then that he loved you; and all
too clearly I see now that you love him.
Fair (taking one of his hands in both her own). You will not tell! (He
turns quickly away). Gordon! Gordon! Forgive me! I didn't mean
it--Oh, I didn't mean it! I'm only so afraid! Mother and father must not
know! (She looks up into his face). He is our enemy!
Gordon. I love you, Fair! I understand.
[They slowly exit into the house.
[The sunset shows in brilliant red and gold at the back of scene, fading
into purple twilight and then to brilliant moonlight through the rest of
the scene. Enter Cupid from the road. He sits on the lowest step and
begins to fill his pipe. As he is pressing in the tobacco, far off (Right) a

bugle call is heard. The pipe falls from his hands. He pauses, listening.
The call is heard again; this time a little nearer. Cupid jumps to his feet,
runs up steps, throwing open the door.
Cupid (as he starts up steps). Fo' Gaud! hits dem Yankees! (He throws
open the door). Marster! Marster! Mars George, de Yankees comin'!
[Enter Aunt Marthy hurriedly.
Cupid (very excited). Dey's comin'--de Yankees! Marster! Marster!
Marthy. What in de name ob Gaud's de matter wid you?
[Enter Bev, Carter, George and Gordon. They run down into the yard.
Bev. What's the matter?
Cupid. I hears a bugle. It's de Yankees! For Gaud's sake, run--run,
Marster: dey'll catch you sho!
Gordon. Listen! (The call is