“I also enclose a letter for you.  I found it in a United States mail-bag which we captured from the enemy.”

Oh—­that’s the way Mrs. Haverill’s letter came—­ha—­ha—­ha—­by way of the Rebel Army! [Opens it; reads.]

“My Darling Gertrude:  When Colonel Kerchival West was in Washington last week, on his way from Chattanooga, to serve under Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, he called upon me.  It was the first time I had seen him since the opening of the war.  I am certain that he still loves you, dear.” [She kisses the letter eagerly, then draws up.

It is quite immaterial to me whether Kerchival West still loves me or not. [Reads.

“I have kept your secret, my darling.”—­Ah! my secret!—­“but I was sorely tempted to betray the confidence you reposed in me at Charleston.  If Kerchival West had heard you say, as I did, when your face was hidden in my bosom, that night, that you loved him with your whole heart—­“—­Oh!  I could bite my tongue out now for making that confession—­[Looks down at letter with a smile.] “I am certain that he still loves you.” [Trumpet Signal No. 41.  Kisses the letter repeatedly.  Trumpet Signal No. 41, louder than at first.  She starts, listening.

JENNY BUCKTHORN runs in on the veranda.

JENNY.  Do you hear, Gertrude, they are going to pass this very house. [Military band.  “John Brown” playing in the distance.  Chorus of Soldiers.] I’ve been watching them through my glass; it is Colonel Kerchival West’s regiment.

GERTRUDE. [Eagerly, then coldly.] Colonel West’s!  It is perfectly indifferent to me whose regiment it is.

JENNY.  Oh!  Of course. [Coming down.] It is equally indifferent to me; Captain Heartsease is in command of the first troop. [Trumpet Signal No. 52.] Column right! [She runs up to road.  Looks.] They are coming up the hill.

GERTRUDE.  At my very door!  And Kerchival West in command!  I will not stand here and see them pass.  The despatch for Captain Thornton!  I will carry it to him as soon as they are gone. [Exit up veranda, the band and chorus increasing in volume.

JENNY.  Cavalry!  That’s the branch of the service I was born in; I was in a fort at the time—­on the Plains.  Sergeant Barket always said that my first baby squall was a command to the garrison; if any officer or soldier, from my father down, failed to obey my orders, I court-martialed him on the spot.  I’ll make ’em pass in review. [Jumping up on the rustic seat.] Yes! [Looking off.] There’s Captain Heartsease himself, at the head of the first troop.  Draw sabre! [With parasol.] Present! [Imitating the action.  Music.  The band and chorus now full and loud; she swings parasol in time.  Trumpet Signal No. 40.  Band and chorus suddenly cease.] Halt!  Why, they are stopping here. [Trumpet Signal No. 38.] Dismount!  I—­I wonder