n 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!