The Southern Cross | Page 6

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 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.