The Southern Cross | Page 7

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.
Char. If my dear father were only here! But he's far down in Alabama with his regiment.
George. I thank God you are here with mother and little Fair and Bev.
Char. George, I promised Bev to ask you something. He's going off to fight. I know he's young, but there are younger boys than he who make brave soldiers. He wants to be your color-bearer.
George. I was afraid he wouldn't stay at home much longer. But it shall be as he wishes. I'll see the place is given him, when father says that he may go. We must go in and tell them the great news.
[They start to the house.
[Enter Bev from the house. He runs down into the steps towards them.
Bev. I say, Charlotte, have you asked him?
Char. (laughing). No, he asked me.
George. We're going to be married here to-night.
Bev. What--really! Oh, but I'm glad! I knew it was going to be, but I didn't know it would be to-night. Does mother know?
Char. We're going in to tell her now. And, Bev, I asked for your appointment, and some day, before so very long, I'm quite sure you may have it.
Bev (delighted). You are as great a man as Morgan. And will I be the color-bearer, and go with you on the marches, and sleep by the camp fire, and have my rations with your men?
George (gaily).