I—I—

GERTRUDE. I—

BOTH. O—O-h! [Bursting into tears and rushing into each other's arms, sobbing, then suddenly kissing each other vigorously.

KERCHIVAL. I say, Bob, if the North and South do fight, that will be the end of it.

GERTRUDE. I've got something to say to you, Madeline, dear. [Confidentially and turning with her arms about her waist. The girls sit, talking earnestly.

ELLINGHAM. Kerchival, old boy! There's—there's something I'd like to say to you before we part to-day.

KERCHIVAL. I'd like a word with you, also!

MADELINE. You don't really mean that, Gertrude—with me?

ELLINGHAM. I'm in love with your sister Madeline.

KERCHIVAL. The devil you are!

ELLINGHAM. I never suspected such a thing until last night.

GERTRUDE. Robert was in love with you six weeks ago.

[MADELINE kisses her.

KERCHIVAL. I've made a discovery, too, Bob.

MADELINE. I've got something to say to you, Gertrude.

KERCHIVAL. I'm in love with your sister.

ELLINGHAM. [Astonished.] You are?

MADELINE. Kerchival has been in love with you for the last three months. [GERTRUDE offers her lips—they kiss.

KERCHIVAL. I fell in love with her the day before yesterday. [The two gentlemen grasp each other's hand warmly.

ELLINGHAM. We understand each other, Kerchival. [He turns up centre, and stops at door.] Miss Madeline, you said just now that you wished to watch the forts. Would you like to walk down to the shore?

MADELINE. Yes! [Rising and going up to him. He takes one of her hands in his own and looks at her earnestly.

ELLINGHAM. This will be the last day that we shall be together for the present. But we shall meet again—sometime—if we both live.

MADELINE. If we both live! You mean—if you live: You must go into this dreadful war, if it comes.

ELLINGHAM. Yes, Madeline, I must. Come, let us watch for our fate.

[Exeunt on veranda.

KERCHIVAL. [Aside.] I must leave Charleston to-day. [Sighs.] Does she love me?

GERTRUDE. I am ready to start, Mr. West, when you are.

KERCHIVAL. Oh! Of course, I forgot. [Rising.] I shall be delighted to ride at your side.

GERTRUDE. At my side! [Rising.] There isn't a horse in America that can keep by the side of my Jack, when I give him his head, and I'm sure to do it. You may follow us. But you can hardly ride in that costume; while you are changing it, I'll give Jack his bonbons. [Turning to window.] There he is, bless him! Pawing the ground, and impatient for me to be on his back. Let him come, Pete. [Holding up bonbons at window]. I love you.

KERCHIVAL. Eh? [Turning suddenly.

GERTRUDE. [Looking at him.] What?

KERCHIVAL. You were saying—

GERTRUDE. Jack! [looking out. The head of a large black horse appears through the window.] You dear old fellow! [Feeds with bonbons.] Jack has been my boy ever since he was a little colt. I brought you up, didn't I, Jack? He's the truest, and kindest, and best of friends; I wouldn't be parted from him for the world, and I'm the only woman he'll allow to be near him.

KERCHIVAL. [Earnestly.] You are the only woman, Miss Gertrude, that
I—

GERTRUDE. Dear Jack!

KERCHIVAL. [Aside.] Jack embarrasses me. He's a third party.