Cupid. Fo' Gaud, ef de ain't got de silber!

[Horses hoofs are heard, but the men are too engrossed to notice.

[Enter hurriedly from the lane Col. Stephen Winthrop and Maurice
Hopkins. Winthrop is a handsome, soldierly young man of
about twenty-five. He wears the regular U.S. uniform of
Colonel. Hopkins is younger and somewhat smaller than
Winthrop, though a handsome, manly-looking fellow. They
rush in among the men, beating them over the backs with
sabers.

Winthrop (in great anger). You damned cowards! Get out! Every one
of you shall be court-martialed.

Hopkins. Fine soldiers, you dogs! You'll pay for this.

[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.

Evans. Word has come that our regiment has met the enemy one mile
away. They're engaging now. Hark to the guns!

[The distant sound of guns.

Winth. Boots and saddles, quick!

[Exit Evans on run.

I beg your pardon for intruding, madam. You shall not be troubled in
this way again.

[He and Hopkins exit hurriedly. The horses hoofs are heard as