Act III.—(Two years later.) Parlor in Gaylie Gifford's house. Door in flat, C., windows each side of it, with drapery curtains; shrubbery outside. Table, R. C., with books, &c.; a lighted astral lamp upon it. Lounge, L. Arm-chair, R., with small table beside it. Easy-chairs, R. and L. Should be handsomely furnished; elegantly, if possible, by adding statuettes, screens, &c. Mrs. Trueworth discovered in arm-chair, R., knitting. Mattie sitting at table, L. C., reading a newspaper.

Mattie
(dropping paper). And so at last this cruel war is over, mother. Richmond has fallen, and our brave soldiers are already marching homeward. Only think of it! any day, any hour, may bring back our dear Rob, after four years' absence. Oh! 'twill be a happy return for all of us.
Mrs. T.
For you and me, Mattie, yes. I shall see my brave boy again; you, a noble brother, whose record in the long struggle is spotless. But how will Gaylie receive him?
Mattie.
With open arms, mother: are they not lovers?
Mrs. T.
They parted as lovers: but you know two years ago Wilder Rowell resigned his command, and returned to Grainlow; that from that time he has been a constant visitor to this house; that he is always welcomed by its mistress; that he attends her in all her walks and drives; that she smiles upon him, and evidently delights in his company. You know this, and I know it, and I don't like it. There, I've dropped a stitch!
Mattie.
Why, mother! I really believe you are jealous of Col. Rowell's attentions. Do you doubt Gaylie's affection for us, her love for Brother Rob?
Mrs. T.
Doubt her affection for us? No! Has she not been a dear daughter to me for these years? Has she not made us members of her own household? Have I not had, every day, convincing proofs of her affection? No, no! bless her dear heart, for Mother Trueworth has a warm corner in it. It's only for the boy I fear. Suppose he should come home, and find our Gaylie's heart turned from him, caught by this man whom I don't like, never did like, and never will like. There goes another stitch!
Mattie.
Suppose, suppose! O mother, you ought to be ashamed of yourself! Why, I should no more doubt Gaylie's love for our Rob, than I should doubt—
Mrs. T.
Your love for Hiram Jenks, eh, Mattie?
Mattie.
There's another jealous one! He thinks Mr. Rowell is in love with me, or pretends he does, and continually quarrels with me about him. But we always make up, and I really believe that it's for the pleasure of being reconciled every day that he does it.
Mrs. T.
Ah! Hiram Jenks is a good, honest, smart, reliable young man: so you be careful, and not quarrel too often. There may be a time when there will be no reconciliation.
Mattie.
I'm not afraid of that, mother. He loves me dearly. But I mean to cure him of this folly the very next time he attempts it.
Crimp
(outside). Hi! whar's Missy Gaylie? whar she be? Hallelujum! (Enters, C., running, in a high state of excitement.) Babylum am fallen! Got a telegram down dar: de boys am coming dis yer night, got mos' home. Der a-lighting up down dar. "Johnny am marching home" double-quick. Yaas, indeed! Whar Miss Gaylie? Hi! lots ob fun.
Mrs. T.
Coming, Crimp, to-night?
Crimp.
Don't I tole you? Don't I tole you? I'se jes' gwine to 'luminate dis yer mamsum from de crown to de heel, regardless ob expense. Hi, golly! Jubilum am a-comun, and de darkies are jes' gwine into glory. Whar's Miss Gaylie? Whar she be? Golly! I can' hole myself still: mus' do somfum, or I shall combusticate and smash all to pieces. Whar's Miss Gaylie? (Runs off, L.)
Mrs. T.
(rising). Coming to-night! Dear, dear boy! I must dress myself to receive him. Just see what a state I'm in,—this old cap and this poor dress.
Mattie.
Why, mother, you never looked better in your life.
Mrs. T.
It's no such thing. I'm looking shabby, and my boy's coming home. Oh! I wish I had the regal robes of a queen, that I might receive him as he deserves. Dear, dear boy! (Hurries off, L.)
Mattie.
And so Rob is really coming home: how glad somebody will be to see him! She care for Wilder Rowell? I, for one, do not believe it. She's some reason for allowing his attentions: what it is, I cannot find out. When I ask her, she laughs, and breaks away singing, "Trust her not, she is fooling thee. Beware! Take care!" But I do trust her. She is all goodness. (Enter Rowell, C.)
Rowell
(aside). Ah! only pretty Mattie Trueworth. If I hadn't higher aspirations, I should dearly like to make love to that girl. (Aloud.) Good-evening, Miss Mattie.
Mattie.
Ah! Mr. Rowell, good-evening.
Rowell.
There seems to be a hubbub about this usually quiet mansion. What is going on?
Mattie.
Why, don't you know our soldiers are coming home to-night?
Rowell.
To-night! That is news. Is the war over?
Mattie.
Why, what a man! Don't you read the papers? Don't you take any interest in the war?
Rowell
(aside). Not since I resigned two years ago. (Aloud.) Oh, certainly! Is Richmond taken?
Mattie.
A week ago. Here's the whole account. (Rises with paper, and comes forward.)
Rowell.
Indeed! show it to me. (Puts his arm about her waist. Hiram appears at door, C.)
Hiram.
Ahem! a-hem! (Mattie starts to L. Rowell, with paper in his hand, starts R.)
Hiram
(with bombastic fury). Oh, yes, oh, yes! it is all true, all true.
Rowell.
What! is the news confirmed?
Hiram
(contemptuously). Confirmed! my suspicions are confirmed. (To Mattie.) Oh, you cruel, deceitful, perfidious, ungenerous, ungrateful, unkind, unjust, un—un—unsociable young woman! what have you done?
Rowell
(aside). Hallo! this fellow's in his jealous humor again. (Aloud.) Miss Mattie, as you have company, I'll take the paper, and find the news myself.
[Exit L.
Mattie.
Mr. Hiram Jenks, what's the matter?
Hiram.
What's the matter? You ask me? Matter, what's the mattie? I mean Wattie, matts the water? Oh, pshaw! I can't speak. My tongue is paralyzed. False woman! you have shattered the shrine of affection in this bosom. Young lady, you have burst the bonds of devotion. Young maiden, you have lacerated my heart, crushed my soul, blasted my hopes, destroyed my—my—Go, deceitful maid! After my long devotion, oh! this is too much, after all I have done for you. Oh! (Tears hair.)
Mattie.
Well, what have you done for me?
Hiram.
Eh! well, what I was going to do for you,—marry you. To see you fondly reclining upon the bosom of another, another's arm about your waist,—oh, this is torture! madness! (Tears his hair, and rushes about stage.) Mattie Trueworth, you are a cartless hoquette; no, a—
Mattie.
You got the cart before the horse that time, Hiram. How silly you are! It's all a mistake.
Hiram
(coolly). Oh! it's a mistake: I'm glad of that; so let's kiss and make up. (Approaching her.)
Mattie.
Stop! you have opened my eyes. You saw his arm about my waist. Then he loves me. Oh, joy! rapture! bliss!
Hiram.
Why, Mattie! you don't mean, you can't mean, you can't be so mean as to say you love Col. Rowell.
Mattie.
Why not? he's rich; he is the owner of Trueworth Farm; and I, I might be again its mistress.
Hiram.
Yes: but, Mattie, wh-wh-what's to become of me?
Mattie.
You? why, you unjustly suspected me; but then you opened my eyes. You have my thanks: all else is at an end between us.
Hiram.
Good gracious! I don't want your thanks. I wouldn't thank you for your thanks. I want you, Mattie. Come, let's make up (coaxingly). Now, do, Mattie, now, do. You ain't a-going to throw me over for that man?
Mattie.
Why, he owns Trueworth Farm.
Hiram
(aside). Confound it! she means it. (Aloud.) Hang Trueworth Farm! what's that to a heart filled with devotion! No, don't be hard on a feller. You know I love you. Come, let's make up. Do, now, do.
Mattie
(drawing herself up to her full length). No, sir! You have trifled with me, and we must part. Seek another mate: be happy if you can. (Imitating Hiram's coaxing.) Do, now, do. I wish you well: particularly, fare-well. (Courtesies, and goes off, L.)
Hiram
(looks after her). Why! she's gone. She means it! Jealous of her? why, it's absurd! She might have known it. I only wanted to tease her into a reconciliation: these make-ups are so jolly! But she don't tease well; and now I've set her to setting her cap for Rowell. Pshaw! Humbug! the jealous game is all up. (Enter Crimp, L.)
Crimp.
Hallo, Hi-ram! am dat you? Jes' you come down to de barn wid me. I'll show you, free gratis, for nuffin, no extra charge, and no postfonemet, de greatest dissemblage ob sky—sky—sky—what dat man call 'em? skyrotechnicks, golly! rickets, fourteen pounders, and—and Rum-and-candles, and—and Bungola lights, and squabs, and bombs—golly! Jes' busters; de take de roof right off; yaas, indeed! Come down, do, Hi-ram: gwine to let 'em shoot slam bang, when de boys come home.
Hiram.
That's right, Crimp: give them a welcome.
Crimp.
Yaas, indeed, Hi-ram! gwine to make 'em smell brimstone. I tole you. Serve 'em right: wish we could get up a yearthquake: wouldn't be a bit too good for 'em. Come on, Hi. I say, Hi-ram, am you any relation to ole Jim? he was de highest old ram eber I see. Yah, yah, yah! (Exit, C., laughing, followed by Hiram. Enter from L., Rowell.)
Rowell.
And so the war is over, and the boys are marching home, and with them comes, of course, Mr. Rob Trueworth. Hang the luck! I fear that fellow's appearance. Two years ago I resigned my command in the army for two reasons. First, an unfortunate rencontre with Trueworth, whom I kept in the ranks after he had been several times honorably mentioned, awakened the suspicions of Grant, and a court-martial was threatened; second, a very pressing invitation from Gaylie to return, the pretext being business which required my assistance, but the real motive, an evident desire for my society. Of the first reason, I took good care to let her know nothing; and having the postmaster, Hosea Jenks, well under my thumb, I am sure she has received no hint from Trueworth. She has evidently repented of her folly, and takes kindly to my presence. Never a word about Rob Trueworth. Yet I seem no nearer the attainment of my heart's desire, than when I returned. I have assiduously courted her: we walk, ride, and sail together. I am attentive, devoted, and she enjoys every thing. But, when I speak of love, she evades it, or talks of her freedom, or we are interrupted. I will speak plainly: she must be bound to me ere he returns, or I fear my two-years' campaign will be wasted. Ah! here she is. (Enter Gaylie, L.)
Gaylie.
Oh, isn't it glorious! the war is over. (Sees Rowell.) Why, colonel, is that you? Have you been waiting long? I'm so sorry.
Rowell
(taking her hand). Yes: I have been waiting long, two years, Gaylie, to give you full assurance that I love you. Is my love returned?
Gaylie
(excitedly). Returned! O colonel! have you heard the news? Our brave soldiers have returned; that is, they are coming home to-night, crowned with victory. Oh, I'm so happy! ain't you?
Rowell.
Gaylie, I am miserable.
Gaylie.
Because they are coming home? Oh, fie! colonel. And you a soldier?
Rowell.
Gaylie, you must listen to me. You evade a question of the utmost importance to my welfare. I asked you, Do you love me?
Gaylie.
As you have asked me a dozen times in the last fortnight; and I answer you as I have before, Wait until the war is over.
Rowell.
Ah, but the war is over: there is no reason for delay. Gaylie, will you be my wife?
Gaylie.
That's a serious question, colonel. I'll consider it.
Rowell.
Gaylie, you'll drive me mad.
Gaylie.
Then I won't consider it: will that suit you? O colonel! do you suppose there have been any changes in the regiment?
Rowell.
Will you answer my question, Gaylie?
Gaylie.
Will you answer mine, colonel?
Rowell
(biting his lips). I don't know; I don't care. Boxer, who took my place, has been made a brigadier-general; but, for the rest, I know nothing.
Gaylie.
I wonder if Rob Trueworth is still a private. Perhaps he's a captain, or a sergeant. I do hope he has risen.
Rowell.
You still have an interest in that fellow?
Gaylie.
Of course. Isn't he my brother?
Rowell
(aside). That's good. She ignores the other tie. (Aloud.) Now, Gaylie, speak. (Takes her hand.) Surely my devotion deserves a recompense. Will you? (Enter Crimp, L., with a lighted candle in each hand.)
Crimp
(speaking as he enters). Hi! Miss Gaylie, de hole circumbendence ob de exterior ob de house up stairs am in a blaze ob glory; lights into all de windows, an' greeze all ober de glass and de carpets. Took sum pains up dar, I tole you. Shall I light dese yer windows, Miss Gaylie?
Gaylie.
No, Crimp, I will attend to this.
Crimp.
Yaas, indeed! I'm obleeged to you. Jes' put your bright eyes into de windows, and de illumination up stairs won't be no circumstance. I'll jes' stick 'em into de bay window, out yunder.
[Exit R.
Rowell
(runs to Gaylie, and puts his arm about her waist; takes her hand). Gaylie, am I never to get an answer? Speak before we are again interrupted. (Mrs. Trueworth appears, L.)
Rowell
(goes L.). Confusion! Will this never end?
Gaylie.
Come in, mother.
Mrs. T.
No: when two young people are so closely interested in conversation, an old woman's presence is unpleasant. I'm not blind, Gaylie Gifford; and I'm not likely to hold my tongue, when I see injustice done one I love; so I'll go away. O Gaylie! Gaylie! have I been deceived in you? (Going.)
Gaylie
(running to her). No, mother, no! Believe me, trust me.
Mrs. T.
I try to, Gaylie; but it is so hard, so hard!
[Exit L.
Gaylie
(comes down R. at table). Have I wounded her dear heart? Am I doing right?
Rowell
(approaching). Gaylie—
Gaylie.
Silence, sir! Speak to me now, and I shall hate you. (Rowell returns L. Enter C. Hosea Jenks, followed by Hiram. Mattie enters L. Hosea comes down. Hiram stops up stage, and tries to make up with Mattie; she snubs him.)
Hosea.
I—I—really, really, I beg pardon, colonel, if you are having a tety-tety; but I thought you'd like your mail, and so I brought it. (Comes down L. of table, and hands letters to Rowell, who stands R. of table; then goes back to L. C.)
Rowell.
Ah! thank you, Jenks. (Aside.) Confound his kindness! I know you'll excuse me, Gaylie. Here's my mail.
Gaylie.
Certainly, colonel. (Hiram comes down R. of table, where Gaylie is standing, and hands her a letter secretly.) (Aside.) And here's mine. (Presses it to her lips.)
Rowell
(his back to Gaylie). (Aside.) Here's one for Gaylie, in the old familiar hand. (Looks round to her: she is looking down; he turns to L., and slips it into his pocket; as he does so, she bends forward, and watches him, then shakes her head.)
Gaylie.
Nothing for me, Mr. Jenks? (She looks at Jenks keenly: he tries to look in her face, drops his eyes, and nervously plays with his hat.)
Hosea.
Oh, no! Nothing for you, not a thing. Do you suppose I should have failed to bring them? (She goes up stage; he comes down R.) (Aside.) That's a lie, a wicked lie. I can't help it. I try; but it will pop out, anywhere, everywhere. Once I was a punster. "Alas, poor Jenks! where are your jests now, that were wont to set the table in a roar?" All lies now.
Gaylie
(goes up, takes Hiram's hand). (Aside.) Thanks, faithful sentinel. (Aloud.) Come, Mattie, we'll go and look at Crimp's preparations, and leave the colonel to his letters. (Puts her arm about Mattie's waist, and they go off C.)
Rowell
(who has opened a letter, and is reading it, seated at table, L.). Confound it! another call for money, and no way to raise it. (Jenks starts for door; Rowell looks round.) Yes; there's Jenks: he must help me out. Jenks!
Hosea
(turns trembling). Ye-yes, colonel.
Rowell
(rising). Jenks, I must have money at once. I have a pressing call, and my funds are completely exhausted. Come, you shall give me fifteen hundred dollars, and I'll transfer to you the Trueworth Farm.
Hosea
(aside). That's cool. (Aloud.) But—but you see, colonel, I—I—I don't want the Trueworth Farm.
Rowell.
Neither do I. But I do want money; so look round and raise it, and don't keep me waiting long (rises, and comes close to him), or Grainlow will have a new postmaster. (Exit C. Jenks falls into chair he has left.)
Hosea.
New p-p-p-postmaster! well, that's the old threat. Oh, the villain! This comes of meddling with public affairs. When I was a private citizen, I was gay and happy, with such a flow of humor, punning from morning till night. I never pun now; I can't; it's sure to turn into a lie. I'm a miserable old rascal, that's ashamed to look an honest man in the face. I'm a swindler, a cheat, a liar, and a coward. I can't help it. I sold my birthright for a mess of pottage; no, potash, for it's all lie. O Jenks! when you parted with honesty, you knocked down a rich estate at an awful sacrifice. I'm in daily dread of these infernal detectives. In my office, at home, at my table, in bed, I feel the hand of justice on my shoulder, and the voice of outraged Uncle Sam thunders in my ear.
Hiram.
The colonel wants his money, dad.
Hosea
(starts to his feet). Yes, yes. I'm a-going for it, I'm a-going for it. (Starts up stage.)
Hiram.
Halt! 'bout face! hold up your head, turn out your toes. (Hosea obeys.) Now, dad, you will do no such thing!
Hosea.
Hey! what do you mean, boy?
Hiram.
Come, dad, straighten up; drop that. I've changed that name with you. You are the boy,—a weak, silly, foolish boy.
Hosea.
Do you want to insult my gray hairs?
Hiram.
Insult them? Tell me, dad, have you respected them as you should?
Hosea.
Eh! wh-what do you mean?
Hiram.
Why does that man order you to find money for him? Why does he treat you with such cool contempt?
Hosea
(nervously). Eh? oh! ha, ha, ha! it's only his way, you know. We are great friends,—great friends. He got me my office; and, you know, if I can do him a favor, why, I ought; certainty I oughter be proud to—to do him a favor: see? (Aside.) How he looks at me! he knows it's a lie. I can't help it: it will pop out.
Hiram.
That won't do, dad. You're afraid of him: you're a coward.
Hosea.
Coward, boy! this to me?
Hiram.
Yes, and more. You have sold yourself to this man; you are accomplices in crime. You have made yourself liable to a long imprisonment, for you have robbed the mail.
Hosea
(alarmed). Hush! don't speak so loud, boy! Who told you this? Do you want to see me hung? do you want—O Hiram, Hiram! pity me, pity me! I'm a poor old sinner, a poor old sinner! (Wrings his hands, falls on his knees, and hides his face.)
Hiram.
That's the truth, dad; a tool in the hands of a crafty man. O dad, you were hard on me in the old days! You sought to crush out my ambition to be manly while yet a boy,—an ambition which should have been encouraged, not crushed. Your example made others slight me, and look upon me as a fool. But you were an honest man, and you made me honest; and for that I shall always be grateful. Now you have parted with your high estate; sold yourself, body and soul, to the—well, Col. Rowell is his name. I have kept mine, and I mean to rescue you from the clutches of this villain.
Hosea.
No, boy, you can't do that; I'm sold, delivered: it's too late. I see my folly. But that man! O Hiram! he could deliver me up to justice: he could have me imprisoned.
Hiram.
Why, dad, you forget he is your confederate; that, in sacrificing you, he must betray himself.
Hosea.
Eh? I never thought of that. Of course he must. What a fool I have been! He dare not move. I'm safe, I'm safe!
Hiram.
But I dare, dad, and I will. For four years you have intercepted letters belonging to Gaylie, and Rob Trueworth. I know it: I have full proof. Ah! I've watched you closer than you watched me when I was a boy.
Hosea.
Yes, yes: but you can't betray me; you couldn't have the heart. Hiram, I was a good father to you; that is, I tried to be. You won't give me up to justice?
Hiram.
You have wronged my friends. Unless you immediately resign your office, I will give information that shall lead to your arrest.
Hosea.
I'll resign, I'll resign! but he won't let me.
Hiram.
He shall not prevent you. You must also decline to furnish him with money.
Hosea.
I'll do that, I'll do that!—any thing you ask, Hiram, only don't give me up.
Hiram.
He's coming back. Remember, no money to that man. (Goes up R. Enter Rowell, C.)
Rowell.
Why, Jenks, what are you about? Didn't you hear? I want that money to-night,—must have it. Why are you not after it?
Hosea.
You want fifteen hundred dollars, colonel?
Rowell.
That's the sum I named.
Hosea
(comes close to him). Don't you wish you may get it, colonel? (Snaps his fingers in his face.) Do you understand that? not a dollar from me. You've been drawing heavily on my conscience, but you can't draw on my bank-account: understand that.
Rowell.
Fool! do you know that I could hang you, unless—
Hosea.
We hang together. That's good, a pun, ha, ha, ha! the first for many a day. Oh, I'm feeling decidedly better! No, colonel, you couldn't hang me: you dare not molest me; for we are both in the same boat.
Rowell.
Indeed! Well, my honest friend, we can find a new postmaster for Grainlow.
Hosea.
Do, colonel! the sooner you write to Washington, "Off with his head: so much for Jenks," the better for said Jenks.
Rowell.
Do you refuse to purchase the Trueworth Farm?
Hosea.
Decidedly I do.
Hiram
(comes down). Do I understand you, colonel? You wish to dispose of Trueworth Farm?
Rowell.
What's that to you?
Hiram.
If you want to sell, I'm your customer.
Rowell.
You?
Hosea.
You? Why, Hiram Jenks, where can you find the money?
Hiram.
No matter, dad. Name your price, colonel.
Rowell.
Fifteen hundred dollars.
Hiram
(takes a wallet from his pocket, and slaps it on table). There's your money.
Hosea.
The boy's crazy. (Aside to H.) I say, Hiram, what are you about? You wouldn't let me buy it, and now—
Hiram.
I want it: you forget you are under suspicion. Uncle Sam might confiscate your property at any moment, and the farm would go with it.
Hosea.
Oh, what a head, what a head! And I thought him a boy!
Hiram.
If you want the money to-night, write a receipt, and take it. We will pass the papers in the morning.
Rowell
(goes to table, R., and writes). Certainly.
Hiram
(takes paper from his pocket). As I have had some thoughts of making you an offer for the property, I have drawn up an agreement. Sign that, and I am satisfied.
Rowell
(takes paper, and looks at it). This is satisfactory. (Signs.)
Hiram.
Now, dad, if you will witness it. (Takes bills from wallet.)
Hosea.
Certainly. (Signs. Aside.) Where could that boy have got his money?
Hiram
(taking paper, and laying down bills). You'll find that all right.
Rowell
(counting money). All correct. I will see you at Lawyer Ware's office, to-morrow at nine. Is that satisfactory?
Hiram.
Perfectly. Come, dad, let's look after the office.
Hosea.
Yes, to the office, where I shall take the first opportunity to write to the Postmaster General, resigning my office.
Rowell.
Do it at your peril!
Hosea.
No: I shall do it at my office. Ha, ha, ha! Why, I'm getting back into my old humor, thanks to the boy. What a head! I used to look in his face, and think I saw a fool. I was wrong: I should have looked in a glass.
Rowell.
I hope the farm will pay you better than it has me, Hiram.
Hiram.
No doubt it will. (Aside.) If Miss Mattie Trueworth wants Trueworth Farm, she'll have to look this way. Come, dad!
Hosea.
Good-by, colonel: if you want your next mail, you'll have to come for it. (Hiram goes up, followed by Hosea; meet Gaylie and Mattie coming in; Mattie comes down R., is stopped by Hiram; Gaylie speaks with Hosea, L. C.)
Hiram.
Mattie, won't you make up?
Mattie.
No, sir: I have higher aspirations.
Hiram
(tragically). I know: to the owner of Trueworth Farm! Mattie, it's hard to lose you, but it's for the best: I see my error. I cannot win you; and so I freely give you up to a better, a richer man,—the owner of Trueworth Farm. Farewell! (Clasps her in his arms quick, and kisses her: she screams; he runs off C.)
Mattie.
Well, I never! what does he mean? He give me up? He shall do no such thing. Dear, dear! have I lost him? Hiram, Hiram! (Runs off C.)
Gaylie.
Your son has gone, Mr. Jenks.
Hosea.
Has he? I must run after him. I can't bear to have him out of my sight: I'm so proud of him! (Aside.) He might repent, and give me up.
[Exit C.
Rowell
(as Gaylie comes down). Gaylie, may I ask a favor of you? I have been making a sale to-night, and have here fifteen hundred dollars: will you give me your check for it? I want to send it to-night.
Gaylie.
Certainly! you'll find my check-book in the next room. Please bring it to me, colonel. (Rowell bows, and exits L.; Gaylie sits in chair R., and looks after him.) That man loves me, for two years has been my devoted slave; and now the time has come for me to speak plainly. He tells me there is no longer reason for delay: he is right. He thinks his long period of devotion deserves a recompense: he shall have it. And the other, Rob Trueworth, who left here four years ago,—does he still love me? (Smiles.) Can I doubt it? Yet I must speak to-night, speak plainly. He believes that he has won me: I can see it in his proud step, the triumphant glance of his eye. Is he right? (Smiles.) Can I doubt that? (Enter Rowell L., with check-book.) I'm so sorry to trouble you, colonel! (Takes book.) Fifteen hundred, you say? (Writes check.)
Rowell
(laying down bills). Yes: you'll find the bills here.
Gaylie.
So you have made a sale to-night, colonel?
Rowell.
Yes: Trueworth Farm.
Gaylie.
Sold Trueworth Farm? And you refused to sell it to me four years ago!
Rowell.
Yes,—yes, I remember. I didn't like to part with it now, but I wanted money—
Gaylie
(rising). Oh! I bear you no malice, colonel. (Gives check.)
Rowell.
Thank you. And now, Gaylie, that we are alone, may I once more press you for an answer? (Takes her hand, and puts his arm about her waist.) You know how dearly I love you: make me happy by saying that you return that love.
Gaylie.
And would that really make you happy, colonel?
Rowell.
Happy? The happiest of men!
Gaylie
(drawing herself up). Then hear me, Col. Rowell! (Enter L. Mrs. Trueworth, with shawl and bonnet added to her former costume, and a large band-box in her hand.)
Rowell.
Oh, speak, Gaylie! tell me you love me!
Mrs. T.
Before you do, Gaylie, let me get out of this house. (Gaylie goes R., Rowell L.)
Gaylie.
Mother, what does this mean?
Mrs. T.
Mother! you have no right to call me by that name: you have disgraced it. Four years ago you plighted vows with my dear boy; he went to battle, trusting in your promise: and now another's arms are about you, another's voice pleading to you for words which tremble on your lips. O Gaylie! how I have loved you, you may never know; but I love my boy, and he shall not come here to have his noble heart broken at the sight of his rival, a favored suitor. No: I thank you for all your kindness to me, but—my boy's coming, and I'll go to meet him: he has no one to love him now so tenderly as his old mother, bless him! 'Twill be a hard blow after all his love and hope and faith. O Gaylie, Gaylie! you've broken my heart! (Drops her box, and staggers forward; Gaylie runs, and catches her in her arms.)
Gaylie.
O mother, mother! this must not be! Stay here; this is your home: here Rob will come—
Mrs. T.
Not in that man's presence will I meet my boy.
Rowell
(aside). The old lady's complimentary. (Aloud.) I think Mrs. Trueworth is right, Gaylie. It would certainly be unpleasant to young Trueworth to see our happiness.
Gaylie.
I beg your pardon, colonel; I have not spoken yet.
Mrs. T.
Let me go, Gaylie: I cannot stay here!
Gaylie.
You must, you shall, mother! You have heard the colonel: now hear me.
Mrs. T.
No, no! I will go. Hark! what's that? (Distant chorus; sings the chorus of "Marching through Georgia.")
Gaylie.
At last, at last! They've come, mother, they've come. Hear me. Within myself, and to myself, I made a vow that I would keep Col. Rowell in suspense until I heard the victorious shouts of our returning heroes. They come, and I can speak; hear me: Col. Rowell, you have asked me to be your wife: I answer, No; for I detest you. (Mrs. Trueworth goes over to chair, R.)
Rowell.
Gaylie, what is this? are you in earnest?
Gaylie.
Four years ago I defied you; enlisted, for the war between you and my hero, on his side, not yours. I have kept the faith: I have battled you from that time to this, and won the victory.
Rowell.
Battled! victory! I do not understand you.
Gaylie.
You sought to keep us apart, and, to that end, intercepted our letters.
Rowell.
No, no! you are mistaken! I—I am innocent of any such crime. (Enter Hiram, R.)
Gaylie.
Here is my witness. 'Twas he who aided me in outwitting you. For the last two years our letters have passed under cover of his name. Those you have stopped were decoys.
Rowell
(aside). What a fool I have been!
Gaylie.
You sought to keep my hero in the ranks. Perhaps you will recollect the first letter which reached him. 'Twas sent by the hands of a trusty messenger. (Enter Crimp, L.) 'Twas delivered in your presence.
Crimp.
Yaas, colonel; d-d-don't shoot!
Rowell
(aside). Oh, curse the girl! she has outwitted me.
Gaylie.
You sought to keep him down; and so I decoyed you here, believing that your presence, hateful as it had become, was necessary to the exaltation of Rob Trueworth. I have used a woman's art, coquetry; but the end justifies the means. So you see, colonel, the Home Guard has a right to claim the victory. Home Guard, attention! fall in! (She stands L. Hiram takes his place next her, and Crimp next up stage. Gaylie then faces them.)
Gaylie.
Comrades, your general, ahem! is proud of you; we have fought together; we have conquered. Now let us march to meet the returning heroes. (Steps back beside Hiram.) Home Guard, attention! Eyes right! eyes left! Salute! (They salute. Chorus repeated outside, "Marching through Georgia," nearer. Enter Rob, in full uniform of a colonel.) Ah! Rob, Rob! he's come, mother, he's come! (Runs into Rob's arms.)
Mrs. T.
(springing up). O Rob, boy! welcome, welcome, welcome!
Rob.
Dear, dear mother! (Enter Mattie, L.)
Mattie.
Where is he? O Brother Rob! (Runs into his arms.) This is glorious!
Rob.
Thanks for your hearty welcome. Ah, Hiram! (Shakes hands.) And Crimp!
Crimp.
Yaas, indeed! how is yer? an' how is Boxer? an'—an' ole smoke-jack? Gay times in ole Virginny, two years ago. I'm obleeged to you.
Rob
(comes down to L., where Rowell stands with his back to him, and his arms folded). Wilder Rowell, the regiment with which you set out for the battle-field has returned under command of its new colonel, myself.
Rowell
(turns round). You the colonel of the 10th?
Rob.
I am happy to say I have won that distinction. Won it! do you hear? You would have kept me in the ranks; but thanks to woman's wit, and military justice, you were removed in time. I now return to claim my bride. (Turns up stage.)
Rowell
(turns away). Oh, I have failed,—miserably failed! I cannot bear to see their happiness. (All are gathered about Rob, up stage.) I was so sure of her! and she has been laughing at me all this time. I wish I could hate her; but no, no, it's impossible. I played for her fortune, and I ended in loving her as I can never love again. They are busy: I'll slip away. Oh! this may be justice for them: 'tis ruin, utter ruin, for me.
[Exit L.
Hiram
(leads Mattie down R.) Now, Mattie, Rob has returned, and Gaylie is true to him. Col. Rowell, of course, is in the market.
Mattie.
I don't care if he is: I don't want him!
Hiram.
But you want Trueworth Farm.
Mattie.
Not if I must take its owner.
Hiram.
No? not when his name is Hiram Jenks? It's mine, Mattie: I bought it to-night. Come, let's kiss and make up: do, now, do! (Kiss and retire up, arm in arm. Rob and Gaylie come down.)
Rob.
Gaylie, how can I ever thank you for making me what I am?
Gaylie.
Nonsense, Rob! you made yourself. If I did help a little, 'twas for my own pride; for I always wanted to be a colonel's wife. Ahem!
Crimp
(down L.). So did I. Yaas, yaas! I'm obleeged to you. No, no, dat's a bifstake: dat's a bifstake. I mean—I mean—wh-w-w-what do I mean? I mean to go an' let off dem ar squabs; make a blaze; cos de colonel's come; yaas, indeed!
Hiram
(R.). Wait, Crimp: the colonel's going to speak.
Crimp.
Yaas, indeed! I's waiting with both years wide open tight. I'm obleeged to you.
Rob
(C. with Gaylie). Ladies and gentlemen of the Home Guard, accept my thanks for your kind and valuable assistance in the campaign just closed. Ever grateful must our country's defenders be to the strong arms and tender hands, loving hearts and watchful eyes, that cared for the old folks at home, when they were in the field.
Gaylie
(C.). Ahem! Colonel, in behalf of the Home Guard, I give you a hearty welcome home. If our efforts have won your approbation, if—There, I've broken down! O Rob, Rob! I'm so glad to get you back! we'll be a happy family now, won't we, mother?
Mrs. T.
(comes down R. C.). Indeed we will, Gaylie. My own boy back again, thank Heaven! The skies will be bright now.
Rob.
Ay, mother! bright to herald the coming of peace, with all its blessings. We have fought the good fight: we have conquered. Henceforth the land we love is free.
Crimp.
Das a fac', an' I am one on 'em; I'm obleeged to you.
Gaylie.
Yes, we have conquered; and, though "the girl you left behind you" has done but little for the cause, she carried into it a loyal and a willing heart; and, if her hero is satisfied, she will never regret having "enlisted for the war."
Hiram and Mattie, R. Mrs. T., Rob, Gaylie, C.
Crimp, L. Curtain.