[The soldiers stand in frightened groups.
Winth. I was detained. Who's in command?
Hop. Corporal Evans.
[Evans salutes.
Winth. Consider yourself under arrest.
Hop. (looks toward the house). The old place, too.
Winth. An outrage! Back to your horses and wait there. Where are
the people?
[Exit soldiers.
[They turn and discover the group at the gate. They quickly advance.
Winth. (delighted). Mrs. Stuart, how can we say how we regret
this intrusion.
[He offers his hand. Mrs. S. looks at him for a moment as though
she does not recognize him, then draws back.
Mrs. S. My home is yours by right of conquest.
Winth. (stops) No. I beg of you--
Mrs. S. We await your pleasure, sir.
Winth. (falling back a step). Surely you have forgotten; we were
once your guests.
Mrs. S. We have not forgotten, sir; nor can we soon forget.
Winth. (greatly grieved). Once you welcomed us. I know I wear the
uniform--yet, I am still your friend, your kinsman.
Mrs. S. I claim no kin with those who take up arms against the South.
[Enter Evans, hurriedly.
Pages:
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50