brighter here. First, some light (she lights the candles). There, that's
better. Ah, the room will take us many days, I fear.

Bev (helping them with the furniture). Mother, did you know that
Winthrop has had a man stationed near the house for our protection? I've
been wanting to see him to say how we thank him, but he has been very
busy in the camp.

Fair. Is he still there?

Bev. Yes. The whole regiment is stationed there now.

Mrs. S. We will see him before they go away. Perhaps we can show
him in some way that we are very grateful.

Char. He sent the ambulance to us when there was only one, and he
gave a guard to see us safely through the lines, and even when we were
at home he asked that we would keep the guard for our protection. Yes,
mother, we must thank him for all this. And George would wish it so, I'm
sure of it.

Fair (softly). Will he come here again; oh, mother, will he come?

[Enter Marthy with a table cloth over her arm.

Marthy. I don fix a little sprise for you all. I gwine gib you de
best supper. Kin I fix it har for you?

[She spreads the cloth on the table.

Mrs. S. Why, Marthy, I'd forgotten. But is there anything for us
except corn meal?

Marthy (delighted). You jes wait an see. I gwine gib you what you
used to--dat I iz.

[Exit.

Mrs. S. Dear old Marthy. I often think--(a knock is heard at the
door (Left). What was that?

Bev. Some one at the door.

Mrs. S. Impossible! it leads to your room.

[The knock again.

Bev. Who's there? (he opens the door) Who's in here?

Carter (within). Are you all there?

Bev. What do you mean? Come out!

[Enter Carter disguised. He wears a black beard, a hat pulled far
over his eyes, and old, rough clothes and a very shabby U.S.
Army cloak; he has a pack on his back: he looks about, sees
only the family, throws down the pack, tearing off his hat
and beard.

Carter. Charlotte! Aunt!

[They pause for a moment, then rush to him.

Char. Carter!

Carter. Shut that window--quick!

[Fair runs to window, draws curtains.

Mrs. S. Carter! How have you come? Do you know--

Carter. Yes. I know they're out there still. That is