OLD MARGERY.  Day before yisterday, the ould Hibernian dhrone had the kitchen upside down, to show anither old milithary vagabone loike himself how the battle of Sayder Creek was fought.  He knocked the crame pitcher into the basket of clane clothes, and overturned some raspberry jam and the flat-irons into a pan of fresh eggs.  There has been a misunderstanding betwane us.

BUCKTHORN.  I see there has.  I suppose Barket was showing his friend how Colonel Kerchival West rode forward to meet his regiment, when he was already wounded dangerously.

OLD MARGERY.  Bliss the poor, dear young man!  He and I was always good frinds, though he was somethin’ of a devil in the kitchen himself, whin he got there. [Wiping her eye with one corner of her apron.] And bliss the young Southern lady that was in love wid him, too. [Changing the cup and wiping the other eye with the corner of her apron.] Nothing was iver heard of ayther of thim after that battle was over, to this very day.

BUCKTHORN.  Barket was at Kerchival’s side when he rode to the front. [OLD MARGERY hesitates a moment, then moves to the table, sets down the cup and marches out. BUCKTHORN sits in the arm-chair again, pouring tea.] I could always find some way to get Old Margery to do what I wanted her to do.

BARKET.  You’re a great man, Ginerel; we’d niver have conquered the South widout such men.

BUCKTHORN.  Now go on, Barket; you were interrupted.

BARKET.  Just afther the battle of Sayder Creek began, whin—­

Enter JANNETTE with card, which she hands to BUCKTHORN.

BUCKTHORN. [Reading card.] Robert Ellingham! [Rises.] I will go to him. [To JANNETTE.] Go upstairs and tell Madeline to come down.

JANNETTE.  Yes, sir. [Going.

BUCKTHORN.  And, Jannette, simply say there is a caller; don’t tell her who is here. [Exit JANNETTE upstairs. BUCKTHORN follows her out to hall.] Ellingham!  My dear fellow! [Extending his hand and disappearing.

BARKET.  Colonel Ellingham and Miss Madeline—­lovers!  That’s the kind o’ volunteers the country nades now!

Enter BUCKTHORN and ELLINGHAM.

BUCKTHORN. [As he enters.] We’ve been fighting four years to keep you out of Washington, Colonel, but we are delighted to see you within the lines, now.

ELLINGHAM.  I am glad, indeed, General, to have so warm a welcome.  But can you tell me anything about my sister, Gertrude?

BUCKTHORN.  About your sister?  Why, can’t you tell us?  And have you heard nothing of Kerchival West on your side of the line?

ELLINGHAM.  All I can tell you is this:  As soon as possible after our surrender at Appomattox, I made my way to the Shenandoah Valley.  Our home there is utterly deserted.  I have hurried down to Washington in the hopes that I might learn something of you.  There is no human being about the old homestead; it is like a haunted house—­empty, and dark, and solitary.  You do not even know where Gertrude is?