Fair (from her place on the horse).  Take me down, Bev.  Here, Cupid, you take the meal.

[Cupid comes forward too surprised to speak, lifts down the bag,
then Bev takes her hands and lifts her to the ground.

Cupid.  Whar you git dis hoss?

Bev (laughs and winks at Fair).  Why, out of the second stall near the door.  Where’d you think?

[Marthy and Fair laugh.

Cupid.  Dis hoss ant never pack no meal fo’ in his life; he’s er kerrige hoss.

Fair.  Well, Cupid, we had to get the meal, and Jack is so old and stiff I thought Tony here would enjoy the trip, and he did, all except the ferry.  I don’t believe he ever crossed a stream before, not with me on his back and a bag of meal.  Was’nt he funny, Bev?  Dear old Tony! (She throws her arms around his neck).  I wish I had some sugar for you.

Marthy.  Go’long, child!  You talkin’ ‘bout givin’ sugar to dat old hoss, when we all has to put ’lasses in de coffee and proud ter git hit.

Cupid.  You tell Mistis and Marster dey’s come.

[He leads horse off (Left) carrying the meal.

Marthy.  Yo’ pa bin askin’ ’bout you; he say he gwine way ter morrow.

Fair (anxious).  To-morrow!

Bev.  Where is he?

Marthy.  He an’ you ma done gone for walk round de quarters.

[Exit Marthy into the house.

Bev.  Fair, did you know father was going back to his regiment to-morrow?

Fair.  I was afraid of it.  The wound is almost healed, but mother can’t bear to have us mention his leaving us again.

Bev.  Why, I had hoped to go back with him; I hate to be young.  Why, Fair, do you know sometimes I feel so crazy to go off with the army I believe I’ll run away, except—­

Fair.  Yes, I know; you mean mother.  When father and George are gone, we’re all she’s got.

Bev.  I wish I’d been twins; then one of me could go.

[Fair laughs.

Fair.  But if you had been, ’twould be just twice as hard for us to give you up.

Bev.  I say, let’s go find father.  They’re walking in the lane down past the quarters.

[Fair hesitates.

Fair.  You go, Bev; I’ll meet you near the gate. (She smiles at him).  I’m tired, I reckon.

Bev (slightly disappointed).  I won’t go unless you come.

Fair (sits quietly for a moment, then looks up quickly at him).  Go on, Bev, don’t mind if I stay here. (A slight pause).  Was there any news to-day?

Bev.  Nothing new.  But won’t it be splendid if General Morgan brings his camp near enough for George and Carter and Gordon all to come by and see us.  Gee!  I wish they’d come.

Fair.  Oh, Bev, do you think they could?  ’Twould seem too good to be true. (She is silent for a moment).  Bev, did you know Stephen Winthrop and his command had been ordered to the South?  Doesn’t it seem strange for a man with Southern blood to fight against his people?  Of course he is our cousin, and that ought to make some difference, and then he was raised in the North with only visits here.  And I suppose—­I suppose its natural, but then—­I wish—­Oh, I wish it were different.