After Taps

SHOT IN THE BACK.

SCENE.—_Handsome apartment in the house of_ COLONEL GRAHAM _in_ BALTIMORE. _Door opening into hall, centre. Wide window_, R.C. _Mantel with fireplace_ L. _in flat. Glass over mantel. Door_ R. _in flat. Table_ L.C. _Lamp on table, books. Chair beside table_ L. _Arm-chair near mantel. Door_ L. _in flat. Curtain raised to tune of “Yankee Doodle,” by drum and fife at head of a company of Union troops, seen passing window._ POLLY PRIMROSE, _discovered with duster in hand, alternately peeping out of window and dancing about stage, singing_.

POLLY (_sings_).

“Father and I went down to camp, Along with Captain Gooding; And there we saw the girls and boys, As thick as hasty pudding. Yankee Doodle keep it up, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Mind the music and the steps, And with the girls be handy.”

(_Speaks._)

Another thousand of Maine's boys marching down into Dixie. Bless their dear hearts! If this keeps on much longer, there will be none left for the hopeful Down-East girls and full-blown spinsters, whose natural expectations are warm corners in the hearts of these brave heroes. What a queer lot of men. Some have left their sweethearts behind them, I suppose. Heigho! There's no one to leave me behind. When I think of the good times Down East, it just makes my mouth water. I'd give a week's wages to catch a glimpse of some familiar face. (_Coming down._) I wish I were a man. Nothing I'd like better than to join those ranks and march with them; but here I must stay and dust chairs (_dusts spitefully_) and tables. I know the military tic-tacs—no, that isn't right. I mean tactics. (_Executes manual with duster._) Present—arms—no—feathers. Order—feathers. Indeed, I'd like to, for my next winter's bonnet, if there were only some one to pay the bill. Right shoulder, feathers. (_Carries duster to left, in place of right._) Ha, ha, if any one could see me now, they would take me for a condensed, awkward squad. (_Music outside._ POLLY _marches up and down with duster at right shoulder_.) I can feel the military thrill down to the tips of my toes. Think of the excitement when the bugle calls, and you hear the cry, “Charge feathers—charge!” (_Charges with duster at door_ C., _into the face of_ BIJAH BRIGHT, _who appears with flag; he is bespattered with mud_.)

Bijah. Phew! pooh—ah, choh! (_Sneezes._) What are you trying to do, smother a fellow? Giving us the great Othello act, with me as Desdemona! (_Looks at_ POLLY.) Why, no!—yes, it is, Polly—Polly Primrose.

Polly. Bijah Bright! Well, I declare!

Bijah. (_taking both of_ POLLY'S _hands_) Why, the sight of you is good for a pair of diseased optics.

Polly. But why are you here in this house?

Bijah. It must have been the magnetism of your bright eyes, Polly. When I was marching along, I felt so drawn towards this house, sez I to myself, sez I, here, Bijah, is the place to find rest for your weary bones, and rations for an aching void. And, behold, I find you, my long-lost treasure. (_Tries to embrace_ POLLY, _who steps aside_.) Ah, Polly Primrose, the way you've played tag with that vital organ of my being, the heart that beats for you alone, would frighten any other man, but I've jest made up my mind,—

“A sweetheart's a sweetheart, As all the world knows, And Polly's my Polly, Wherever she goes.”

Polly. Don't be so sure of that, Mr. Bright. Don't flatter yourself that you are the only man that calls me, “My Polly.”

Bijah. Let me but find him. He'll wish he hadn't been born.

Polly. (_laughing_) Same Bijah Bright. Don't be worried (_coquettishly_), for I think you will find me the same Polly.

Bijah. (_taking both her hands_) Wal, now, that's something like. When the temperature of your society is at zero, it makes my very blood congeal.

Polly. Where did you come from?

Bijah. Right from Oldtown, Polly, chuck full of patriotism and peace.

Polly. Seems to me those two words don't jine well, Bijah. Patriotism and fight make the best partnership.

Bijah. The fighting is all wrong, Polly. Do you see that flag? You bet, I'm proud of it. I've made a big wager that I can carry that flag from Oldtown to New Orleans.

Polly. How do you get along?

Bijah. Thus far, swimmingly; from Oldtown to Baltimore has been a triumphant march, but just here I've struck something.

Polly. From the looks of that eye, and the mud on that coat, I should say something had struck you. Bijah, you're a crank. Your peace and flag won't stir anything down this way. If you are not both suspended from a tree before you reach New Orleans, you may think yourself lucky. If your wits were as sharp and dazzling as your name, you would shoulder your gun and join that regiment.

Bijah. Oh, Polly, you're way off. No such work for me. I am the Standard Bearer. (_Takes flag._) Think of the glory that will shine like a halo about my name. When posterity shall gently drop a tear for memory's sake, and in the language of the poet thus speak of one you knew so well:

There was a youth named Bijah Bright, Who gloriously did lead the fight. No sword or musket carried he To shed life's blood on land or sea; His honest arm the flag did wave, And urging on the soldiers brave, The cause was won: a noble fight, And thanks are due to Bijah Bright.

Polly. (_beaming with admiration_) I declare, Bijah, jest as much of a poet as ever. Do you remember some of your poetry at the exhibition of the Oldtown School?

Bijah. Indeed I do. When old Deacon Sasafrass visited the school he always wanted something original; so, one day, thought I'd give it to him. Let me think—yes, I have it. (_Recites with awkward gestures._)

Our yaller hen has broke her leg, Oh, never more she'll lay an egg. The brindle cow has gone plumb dry, And sister Sue has spoiled a pie. Thus earth is full of sin and sorrow, We're here to-day and gone to-morrow.

Ha, ha, Polly! Those were good times in Oldtown. Do you remember them?

Polly. Do I? Don't I?

Bijah. When I thought you were the purtiest girl in town; when the sight of you in your best bib and tucker made me feel as though there were an ice-cream factory in full operation on one side, and a hot air furnace on the other.

Polly. Oh, Bijah!

Bijah. But times are changed. The girls are changed, but you, Polly, are still a purty—

Polly. Oh, Bijah!

Bijah. Old girl.

Polly. (_indignantly_) Bijah!

Bijah. Now, don't get excited, Polly; I'm by no means a blooming flower in the garden of youth myself. I've lived long enough to find out that money is the root of all evil; that an old rat is more capable from experience of keeping out of traps than a young one; that life may be worth living, but it isn't worth much of anything else; that an old sweetheart is at least a blessed memory; and so, when this cruel war is over, I'm going to lay my heart at the feet of—Miss Polly Primrose.

Polly. Oh, Bijah!

Bijah. In the meantime, as I am rather hungry, a bite of something from the cupboard wouldn't go bad.

Polly. Then come with me.

Bijah. Thanks, Polly; but before I accept of your hospitality, who is the proprietor of this establishment?

Polly. Colonel Gordon Graham.

Bijah. What? You don't mean it. (_Aside._) Here's luck. (_Aloud._) That grand old fellow?

Polly. Do you know him?

Bijah. Know him? Wal, I guess. Shot in the back. A dastardly trick.

Polly. (_holding out hand_) Bijah, give me your hand; you are my friend for life. The colonel is one of the bravest and best of men. The shot that brought him down could not keep him there: for, beckoning to two of his men, he was carried in their arms to the head of his regiment; and, waving his sword, led them on, driving the enemy in all directions. Mr. Randolph Newcomb, one of the fine gentlemen of the city, professes great friendship for the colonel; but, I've heard it whispered about, that he tries to make him out a coward. Oh, I just hate him.

Bijah. He does, does he? I say, Polly, do they ever speak of Roger Carruth?

Polly. Law, no; poor Miss Dorothy. She's just as bright as ever: but mind you, way down deep, she just grieves and grieves. I know, for I've seen her, when she thought she was alone. You see, Mr. Newcomb is down on Mr. Roger, and he is so intimate with the colonel, who believes that he is something of a saint, that he has made the colonel down on him too. That just breaks poor Mrs. Graham's heart, for Mr. Roger is her brother, you know. I should think Mr. Roger might send Miss Dorothy some word, at least, and not leave her to fret her heart out. Oh, these men, they make me tired. Haven't a thought for any one besides themselves.

Bijah. Hush, Polly, don't say that. Haven't I marched from Oldtown just to catch a glimpse of your sweet face?

Polly. Indeed you haven't. You've done all that for glory, or, for all I know, some other girl.

Bijah. Oh, come, Polly, don't be hard on a fellow. You don't know how much stock you hold in that tender heart of mine. Its value is getting higher; better hold on to it, or some day, when the war is over, and it is above _par_, you will wish that you hadn't sold out. Besides, Polly, don't be down on Roger Carruth; he's “pure gold.” He'll come to the front one of these days, and Mr. Randolph Newcomb won't stand the fire.

Polly. What do you know about Mr. Newcomb, Bijah?

Bijah. Never you mind. Sufficient unto the day, is the gossip thereof. And O Polly, while that heart of mine is beating a regular nightly tattoo for you on one side, the other organ of my being, the stomach, in the most unromantic manner is clamoring for mid-day rations.

(PINKERTON POTTS _and_ DOROTHY _heard outside laughing_.)

Polly. Poor thing, so active a poetical brain should not be allowed to starve. Come with me. (_Exeunt_, R., POLLY _and_ BIJAH.)

(MAJOR PINKERTON POTTS _and_ DOROTHY _enter, both in riding costume, and laughing heartily at_ POTTS'S _appearance, who is brushing dirt from his clothes_.)

Dor. Well done, Pinky, that last leap was too much for you. That's your punishment for insisting upon pouring into my tired ears, a whole battalion of pretty speeches. Pride must have a fall. If your shots in battle do not find a more responsive target, your record will not be an enviable one.

Potts. How can I help it? Such bright eyes and glowing cheeks cannot but provoke such thoughts to utterance. I say, Miss Dorothy, you do like a fellow, just a little, don't you?

Dor. Like you? Indeed yes. You are one of the nicest men I know. There is a large corner of my heart quite devoted to you.

Potts. Well, to be liked is something. But, if you only knew, how much I thought of you by day, and dreamed of you by night.

Dor. Ha, ha! to think of Pinky Potts assuming the sentimental rôle. Dear me. I never dreamed of such a thing. Why, you are too old a friend. What should I do, if I were to fall in love with you? It would spoil all the fun, and now, you are my devoted slave.

Potts. What's the matter with my being in love and playing the devoted too?

Dor. Never. Now, Pinky, you are just the dearest fellow in the world, and I am awfully fond of you; you are no end jolly. So come (_offers hand, which_ POTTS _takes_), let's be friends forever, and keep sentiment out of the question. (_Seriously._) And you know, Pinky, I can never forget Roger Carruth.

Potts. No, Miss Dorothy, and I would not have you. Roger and I are too old friends. I would not mar his happiness or yours, for all the world. (_Kisses_ DOROTHY'S _hand_.)

Dor. Well said, my noble major. Some day a fascinating little woman will cross your path who won't say “nay” to your devotion. I hope it will be some one that I shall know, Pinky, for I shall love her with my whole heart. When the war is over and Roger comes back—he will come back, won't he, Pinky?

Potts. Indeed he will. Never doubt his loyalty, and some day you will have your reward. Roger is under a heavy cloud, but penetrated by the warmth of your love it will in time disperse. Then, Miss Dorothy, you will say “good-by” to tears, and revel in the happiness and sunshine about you.

Dor. Pinky, you were wrongly named. You are true blue every time. (_Goes to window._) Pinky, come here. Do you see that man walking with the Colonel and Mrs. Graham? That is Mr. Randolph Newcomb—and—I don't like him.

Potts. (_looking over her shoulder_) What, that beastly cad? don't blame you.

(_Enter_ RUTH GRAHAM.)

Ruth. Good-morning, major. Ah, Dorothy, you here? What a glorious morning for a ride. I see you have taken advantage of it. But major, your appearance indicates a mishap—nothing serious, I hope?

Dor. (_looking at_ POTTS _and laughing_). He made a thrilling leap, but missed the mark. O Ruth, I wish you could have seen his lordship ignominiously turning a somersault in the mire. Don't be surprised, if the next news that you hear is that Major Pinkerton Potts, formerly officer in the Union Army, had reached the zenith of success, and was now dazzling all Europe by his acrobatic feats. Pinky, don't forget your old friends when fortune smiles upon you, and (_mock courtesy_) send us a box. (_All laugh._)

(_Enter_ COLONEL _and_ NEWCOMB; COLONEL _leaning upon_ NEWCOMB'S _arm, very weak. Leans against door._)

Col. Yes, Newcomb, I must rejoin my regiment to-day. No more holidays for me. The wound is healing. Back again with my men, breathing the atmosphere of patriotism, strength will return to me. Ah, Newcomb, a glorious cause. I wish you were on our side.

(_Enters room._ POTTS _salutes_.)

Col. Glad to see you, major; our time is up, old fellow. Ah, been for a ride with madcap Dorothy? (_Putting his hand on_ DOROTHY'S _shoulder_.) I tell you, major, if every man in the regiment was fired with the enthusiasm which this brave-hearted girl possesses, we should have no deserters. (_Turns to_ NEWCOMB.) Major, allow me to introduce my friend, Mr. Randolph Newcomb. (POTTS _bows frigidly and does not see_ NEWCOMB'S _hand which he has extended_. DOROTHY _bows slightly_.)

Col. (_seated in arm-chair_; RUTH _beside him_). Newcomb, since you are not on our side, I cannot say “Come and join us” in the fight. No doubt, you are doing your duty equally well, by remaining here.

NEWCOMB. There is other work besides fighting, Colonel, and mine lies close at hand.

Col. True. And that reminds me of mine. Come, major, escort me to my room. We will talk over the plans for our return. Dorothy, dear, I must lean upon you, too. Ruth, I leave Mr. Newcomb to your kind care. Good-morning, Newcomb.

(_Exeunt_ COL., MAJOR, _and_ DOR., L.)

Ruth. (_coming forward, about to seat herself at table; coldly_) Won't you be seated, Mr. Newcomb?

New. (_sits in chair near mantel_). The colonel insists upon a return; do you think this wise, Mrs. Graham?

Ruth. His heart is so full of patriotism, every hour's delay irritates him. Since he cannot be persuaded, I think it wiser to let him go. Yet, I fear for his safety. That shot in the back was mysterious. Some foe, calling himself friend, lurks near him; why, I cannot imagine. He is everything that is true and noble; and whoever fired that shot had some motive, which one attempt upon the colonel's life will not satisfy.

New. My dear Mrs. Graham, you are morbid. A colonel's life is at hazard as well as that of a private. Why could not the shot from an enemy's rifle have done the work?

Ruth. Impossible! the enemy were in front. Only a coward would do so contemptible a deed.

New. True, there are some without honor, Mrs. Graham. Your brother, Roger Carruth, for instance.

Ruth. (_rising_) How dare you, Mr. Newcomb, in my own home, speak so slightingly of my brother? Why have you turned against him? When he was first accused of the crime, you acted as his friend. Since his escape, you never lose an opportunity to taunt me with his downfall.

New. Because the evidence against him has strengthened.

Ruth. Mr. Newcomb, you call yourself friend. I do not believe you. Roger is as innocent of that crime as I am, and you know it. Not content with attempting to overturn my faith in my brother, you have spared no time or trouble to turn the colonel against him. He believes in your friendship so thoroughly, he never thinks to doubt your word.

New. That is as it should be, Mrs. Graham. And, I hope, some day, the colonel's wife will favor me with her confidence.

Ruth. Never. Your very presence is hateful to me, and could I have my wish you would never again cross this threshold. The time will come when Roger's innocence will be proved, and woe to those who are his accusers.

(_Enter_ POLLY, R.)

Polly. If you please, Mrs. Graham, the colonel is asking for you.

Ruth. Very well, Polly. (POLLY _exit_.) I fear the walk has been too much for the colonel. Will you excuse me?

New. Certainly. (RUTH _exits_, L.; NEW. _laughs_.) It will be a long time before that day, my dear Mrs. Graham. The plot cannot so easily be unravelled. Suspects some foe of the colonel's, does she? She shall have a better cause. The shot will be more telling next time. (_Goes to window._)

(_Enter_ ROGER, _disguised as_ GIBBS.)

Gibbs. Is the colonel at home? (NEW. _turns, sees_ GIBBS, _and gives a surprised whistle_; GIBBS _looks at_ NEW., _and whistles_.)

New. (_coming down_). What business brings you here?

Gibbs. (_coming down_) To inquire after the colonel's health.

New. I can give you full information. He has quite recovered, and is to rejoin his regiment to-day. What next?

Gibbs. To ascertain if he has ever found a clew to the perpetrator of the foul outrage.

New. If not, to turn traitor.

(_Enter_ DOR. _in house gown, and sees_ NEW. _and_ GIBBS. _She is about to retire, but stops upon hearing_ GIBBS'S _speech_.)

Gibbs. Yes, for I can give him the name of the man who planned his murder. (DOR. _crosses to stage_ C. _and hides behind portière_.)

New. And what do you expect to get for this startling piece of news?

Gibbs. Well, say fifty dollars.

New. I will give you a hundred to say nothing about it, on one condition, that you yourself try your hand. That man Dowling was worse than nothing. It was a bad shot; we need better marksmen in our armies.

Gibbs. You are bound to murder him?

New. Murder? no indeed. “All's fair in love and war.” Are we not enemies? Is he not the invader of the sacred soil that was my birthplace? Has he not won the heart of the woman I once loved? That affection is now dead, and hatred has risen from the ashes. She scorned me once, and I shall not rest until her happiness is wrecked.

Gibbs. Then that explains your treachery towards her brother, Roger Carruth. (DOR. _leans forward; listening_.)

New. What do you know of Roger Carruth? The world looks upon him as a criminal; he is beyond recall and as good as dead.

Gibbs. (_looking at him steadily_) You are sure?

New. Yes, I am confident of that.

Gibbs. And the family; do they not suspect?

New. Suspect? not much; they are too simple for that. You are still in the colonel's regiment?

Gibbs. Yes. What are your orders?

New. Are you at any time placed as sentinel near the colonel's quarters?

Gibbs. Yes, any night may find me there.

New. Well, I must take my chances. To inquire after the colonel's health is sufficient excuse for my appearance in camp at any time. The colonel has given me a standing invitation.

Gibbs. Which you will have no hesitation in accepting, I see.

New. What time are you placed there on guard?

Gibbs. Just before taps.

New. Good, just the thing. After taps will be the time. Lights out, everything quiet. Can I depend upon you, Gibbs?

Gibbs. You have my word, sir.

New. Ha, ha! word? do you think that yours is worth anything?

Gibbs. Sometime I hope it will be.

New. Remember, you owe much to me. Should you turn traitor, your reckoning will be a sorry one.

Gibbs. I shall not forget all that you have done for me. Some day I will pay it back with interest. (DOR. _hides_; GIBBS _exit_ C.)

New. I wonder if I can trust him? He seems docile enough; but sometimes I fancy there's a look in his eye—pshaw! what nonsense. Newcomb, my boy, a clever trick, a bold scheme; but you will win it, never fear.

(_Exit_ NEW., C.)

Dor. (_frightened, appears from behind portière_). What do I hear? A scheme to take the colonel's life, and by his best friend too. (_Goes to window._) There he goes, oh, the hypocrite. Now I know why I hate him so. With all his fine manners, I have not been deceived. Ugh! I hate even to shake hands with him. Oh dear, if I were only a man, that I might be near the colonel. Whom shall I tell? Who will help me? Ruth must not know, she has enough to bear. (_Goes to mantel and takes_ ROGER'S _picture; music_.) They call me gay, Roger, frivolous and heartless. Perhaps I am, but if they could only look down deep into my heart, they would find the love for you, burning a strong and steadfast flame. (_Places picture on mantel and stands looking at it._) O, Roger, why did you leave me? We all believed in your innocence and could have helped you bear the burden, which now alone must be so heavy. Oh, if you were only here to help me now. (_Bows head on hands and stands weeping; music ceases. Enter_ BIJAH _and_ POLLY.)

Bijah. That was the best piece of pie, Polly. If I could only have my knapsack as a receptacle for such samples of your cooking, I wouldn't need drum and fife to spur me on.

Polly. (_sees_ DOR.) Hush, Bijah, Miss Dorothy is here.

Dor. (_raises head; comes forward_). A visitor, Polly?

Polly. Yes ma'am. A friend from Oldtown; and only think, Miss Dorothy, he knows your Mr. Roger.

Dor. Knows my Roger? (_Goes to_ BIJAH.) Oh, tell me of him; where is he?

Bijah. That I cannot tell you (_takes letter from pocket_), but here is a letter, which he bade me give you should I ever come to Baltimore.

(DOR. _takes letter; breaks seal_. BIJAH _and_ POLLY _retire to window; music_.)

Dor. (_reads_). MY DARLING DOROTHY.—That you still have faith in me I have no doubt. Your heart is too pure for anything else. I have enlisted in the army, and only as private will serve my country with heart and soul. When the war is over, I will return to you; my innocence established, and the foe, not only my country's but my own, defeated and trodden under foot. Bijah Bright, the bearer of this letter, is a true and loyal friend. He is worthy of your greatest respect, for he stood by me in my darkest hours. My love to dear sister Ruth. Until we meet again, yours in life or in death.

Dor. (_kisses letter_). Mr. Bright, I am more than grateful to you for bringing this letter; it fills my heart with renewed hope. Believe me (_gives hand to_ BIJAH), your loyalty to Roger makes us warm and steadfast friends.

Bijah. I shall see him again, Miss Dorothy, and, when I do, I shall say to him, that the stars in heaven never shone brighter than the love in your eyes when you spoke his name.

Dor. You are a true knight. Will you take an answer to this letter?

Bijah. Indeed, I will.

Dor. Thank you so much.

Bijah. No thanks, Miss Dorothy, the pleasure's mine. (DOROTHY _exit_ R.)

Polly. Isn't she just sweet, Bijah?

Bijah. You've hit it this time; were it not for the dazzling brightness of the orbs of fascinating Miss Polly Primrose the palpitation of my heart would be greatly increased; as it is—

There's only one maid, and Polly's her name, Of my love, my heart, she surely makes game; But some time or other, so sorry she'll be, She'll sigh for her Bijah, the bear of Old T.

Polly. Indeed, I won't.

There's plenty of fish in the sea, Mr. B., Who'd bite at my hook with the greatest of glee: You think, as you've writ, sir, my heart is your own, That over your absence I sigh and I moan, Indeed, I do not, sir; pray hear me aright, I wouldn't give that (_snaps fingers_), sir, to be Mrs. Bright.

Bijah. Ha, ha, Polly, that wee brain of yours isn't an idle one. It won't do for us to separate, but make a stock company and spring our poetic effusions upon the public together. (_Enter_ ROGER, _without disguise_.)

Roger. Is Miss Dorothy at home?

Bijah. Why—Mr. Roger here?

Polly. Land of living! Where did you come from?

Roger. Was marching by; could not resist the temptation of a stolen glance at Dorothy.

Bijah. Have just given her your letter, and she is now writing one in answer.

Roger. But I must see her.

Bijah. Then I won't wait for that answer. And, as I know the sensations of a fluttering heart, I'll step out and let you flutter alone.

Roger. All right, Bijah. Where are you going?

Bijah. Back to camp. I've had a taste of Polly's pies. That's joy enough for one day.

Roger. (_giving him papers_) Take these to the captain, and I will soon follow.

Bijah. All right. (_Takes flag._) Polly, should I on the cold earth lie, remember this—I loved your pie.

(_Exit_ BIJAH.)

Polly. Pity sakes alive! Mr. Roger, how shall I break the news to Miss Dorothy?

Roger. Your wits were always lively, Polly. I shall leave it to you.

Polly. Dear me, she may come at any moment. Here, hide behind this. (ROGER _goes behind portière_, C.)

Polly. Oh, dear, every idea in my brain is playing tag with the other. Such a horrid sensation I feel, as if some one had proposed and I had said “No,” when I meant “Yes.” (_Raises eyes._) Shade of my departed grandsire, aid me. (_Draws herself up, makes to door_ R., _exits calling_, “_Miss Dorothy, Miss Dorothy_.”)

Roger. (_drawing portière aside_) Oh, how good to be in my own home again. They say that stolen goods are always the sweetest; one look and kiss from Dorothy will indeed be worth the stealing—hark, they are coming. (_Hides. Enter_ DOROTHY _and_ POLLY.)

Dor. What is the matter, Polly? From the vigorous manner in which you called my name, I should think the house was on fire, or besieged by burglars.

Polly. (_excited_) Hush, Miss Dorothy, it ain't a fire—it's worse—it's burglars.

Dor. (_screams_). Oh!

Polly. Don't, Miss Dorothy; some one entered the house while you were in your room, and has stolen something.

Dor. Stolen something! What?

Polly. Something that belongs to you. It is very precious.

Dor. (_looks at hand_). My rings are all here.

Polly. Oh,—no—not that, something worse; (_loud whisper_) it's your heart.

Dor. Polly, tell me instantly, what do you mean?

Polly. (_excited_) I mean—I mean—no, I don't mean, yes—I do—

Dor. Polly, if you can talk sensibly, pray do, and not as if your brain were congested.

Polly. Indeed, Miss Dorothy, my brain is all right—but look (_mysteriously_) behind that portière.

Dor. What is it? You make my very blood run cold.

Polly. Behind that portière (_goes to it, draws it aside, disclosing_ ROGER), is—is—

Dor. Roger! (_Rushes into his arms._)

Roger. My own dear Dorothy.

Dor. Oh, Polly, you frightened me so.

Polly. Thank heaven, that's over—it's worse than having a tooth pulled.

Roger. You did nobly, Polly. Will you tell Mrs. Graham that I am here?

Polly. Indeed I will. (_Exit_ POLLY, L.)

Dor. Oh. Roger, I have wanted you so much.

Roger. What do you think of me? my lonely hours so far away from you all.

Dor. But where have you been? Tell me, Roger.

Roger. Hush, Ruth is coming. I will tell you both together.

(_Enter_ RUTH.)

Ruth. Roger, my dear brother. (_Embrace._) Why this long silence? this uniform? What does it all mean?

(RUTH _and_ DOROTHY _both seated_. ROGER'S _hand on_ RUTH'S _shoulder, the other holding_ DOROTHY'S _hand_.)

Roger. It means, dear sister, that my heart responded to my country's call, and I could not stay away.

Ruth. But why did you not confide in us? we all believed in your innocence.

Roger. All?

Ruth. (_looks down_) Yes, all; for at heart the colonel believes in your honor. He must, but his friend Newcomb has so woven his influence about him, that the poison has done its work. Oh, Roger, that man, how I despise and fear him.

Roger. And well you may. Never mind, Ruth, some day my name will stand without a blemish, and the colonel will be made to forget his doubts. Now, I shall serve my country with my heart and soul, believing and trusting that justice in good time will right my wrongs.

COLONEL (_outside_). Yes, major, a capital plan.

Ruth. The colonel! he must not see you. I fear he may forget that you are my brother.

Roger. Never mind, Ruth, his words cannot hurt me.

(_Enter_ COLONEL _leaning upon arm of_ POTTS, _who carries the_ COLONEL'S _cloak and hat_.)

Col. Ruth, dear, I am quite myself again. The major's active brain has helped to clear my cobwebbed intellect, and our united forces have conceived a most brilliant scheme. (_Turns; sees_ ROGER; _sternly_.) Roger Carruth, what are you doing here?

Roger. Calling upon my sister and my fiancée.

Col. And do you think, sir, that I, their only protector, will allow one whose name is sullied to hold an interview with them?

Ruth. (_goes to_ COLONEL) Gordon, you forget that you are speaking to my brother.

Dor. (_goes to_ ROGER). And please remember, Gordon, that this man I love and honor above all others.

Col. Stop, I say. In my own house, I will speak my mind. Roger Carruth, leave this house. All here bear honored names. We do not associate with dishonest men.

Ruth. (_sobbing_) Gordon, how can you be so cruel?

Roger. Colonel Graham, you forget to whom you are speaking. We once called ourselves brothers; that tie remains. We shall both fight for our country's honor. Mine will be a double duty. My good name shall stand again, and you, who spurn me now, shall live to crave my pardon. Farewell, Dorothy. (_Exit_ ROGER, C.)

Ruth. Gordon, you have broken my heart.

Dor. You call yourself a soldier. If I were your country, I would disown you.

Col. Hush, Ruth, don't condemn me. Dorothy, I have done what seemed my duty.

Dor. There are some duties it is wiser to overlook. (COLONEL _and_ RUTH _stand talking together_; DOROTHY _drags_ POTTS _down front_.)

Dor. Pinky, what do you think of all this?

Potts. A downright dirty piece of business, but don't blame the colonel. Newcomb is at the bottom of this.

Dor. Newcomb? Oh, yes. Pinky, what do you think? I overheard him talking to one of the colonel's men, and he's plotting (_whispers_) murder.

Potts. What! Murder? Who is the victim?

Dor. The colonel. That shot in the back was a first attempt, and he is going to try it again.

Potts. Not by a large majority.

Dor. You must help him in some way.

Potts. I'll do my best; and if Newcomb isn't “laid out” before we're done with him, my name isn't Pinkerton Potts.

Dor. Find Roger; he will help you. He's too loyal to harbor the Colonel's words when his life is in danger.

(_Sound of fife and drum. Troops pass window, as at opening._ POLLY _enters, goes to window_.)

Col. Come, Ruth, my cloak and hat.

Ruth. (_helps him with cloak_) Must you leave me? (_Music._)

Col. (_taking_ RUTH _in his arms_). Ruth, dearest, you are a soldier's wife, remember. Forgive my harsh words to Roger, but by the fireside or on the battle-field, our honor must be upheld. When the bugle calls me to active service, with heart and soul to lead my men in battle, it calls you to be brave and to conquer all fears, giving inspiration to those who march to meet the foe, and waiting with patient love and hope our safe return. (_Kisses_ RUTH: _embraces_ DOROTHY.) Good-by, Dorothy. Come, major. (_Exit_ COLONEL.)

Ruth. Major, watch over him and bring him back to me.

Potts. I will do my best, Mrs. Graham.

Dor. Good-by, major; don't forget the sacred trust imposed upon you. Care for them both. (_Exit_ MAJOR.)

(RUTH _falls into_ DOROTHY'S _arms_.)

Dor. Ruth, dear, be brave. Roger will be near Gordon, I know. He has suffered much, but he will forget his own wrongs. We have faith in him and know him to be steadfast and true. Some time the world will know it. Keep hope alive in your heart, and believe with me, that Roger will some day make that shot in the back rebound, and the traitor will meet his just deserts.

(_Tableau._ RUTH _in_ DOROTHY'S _arms_. POLLY _at window waving handkerchief_.)

CURTAIN.