y 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). But you must promise not to overeat or oversleep.
We live in such great style, we Morgan men. Come in; let's tell them
all. (They exit into the house.

Bev. Hello! there's Gordon. (Enter Gordon from the road). I came
out to look for you. Have you had supper?

Gordon. Yes, I wanted to look about for a minute or so. I haven't
been here for a long time now. Well, everything's the same. Do you know,
Bev, I love this place as though it were my home.

[Enter Fair from the house, excited.

Fair. Oh! Bev, Bev, have you heard!

Bev. Yes; isn't it splendid!

Gordon. What is it?