GERTRUDE.  I was doing nothing of the kind, sir!—­let me finish, please.  You Northern men are so slow to believe that our Southern heroes—­Northern men and Southern heroes—­you recognize the distinction I make—­you won’t believe that they will keep their promises.  They have sworn to attack Fort Sumter this morning, and—­they—­will do it.  This “American Flag” you talk of is no longer our flag:  it is foreign to us!—­It is the flag of an enemy!

KERCHIVAL. [Tenderly and earnestly.] Am I your enemy?

GERTRUDE.  You have told me that you will return to the North, and take the field.

KERCHIVAL.  Yes, I will. [Decisively.

GERTRUDE.  You will be fighting against my friends, against my own brother, against me.  We shall be enemies.

KERCHIVAL. [Firmly.] Even that, Gertrude—­[She looks around at him; he looks squarely into her eyes as he proceeds.]—­if you will have it so.  If my country needs my services, I shall not refuse them, though it makes us enemies! [She wavers a moment, under strong emotion, and turns away; sinks upon the seat, her elbow on the back of it, and her tightly-clenched fist against her cheek, looking away from him.

GERTRUDE.  I will have it so!  I am a Southern woman!

KERCHIVAL.  We have more at stake between us, this morning, than a cigar-case and a box of gloves. [Turning up stage.

Enter MRS. HAVERILL from apartment.

MRS. HAVERILL.  Mr. West!  I’ve been looking for you.  I have a favour to ask.

KERCHIVAL.  Of me?—­with pleasure.

MRS. HAVERILL.  But I am sorry to have interrupted you and Gertrude. [Apart.] There are tears in your eyes, Gertrude, dear!

GERTRUDE. [Apart.] They have no right there.

MRS. HAVERILL. [Apart.] I’m afraid I know what has happened.  A quarrel! and you are to part with each other so soon.  Do not let a girl’s coquetry trifle with her heart until it is too late.  You remember the confession you made to me last night?

GERTRUDE. [Apart.] Constance! [Starting.] That is my secret; more a secret now than ever.

MRS. HAVERILL. [Apart.] Yes, dear; but you do love him. [GERTRUDE moves away.

GERTRUDE.  You need not ride over with me, Mr. West.

KERCHIVAL.  I can be ready in one moment.

GERTRUDE.  I choose to go alone!  Old Pete will be with me; and Jack, himself, is a charming companion.

KERCHIVAL.  If you prefer Jack’s company to mine—­

GERTRUDE.  I do. [Exit on veranda and down right.

KERCHIVAL.  Damn Jack!  But you will let me assist you to mount. [Exit after her.