Fair (raising her face and trying to stop her tears). There, there, that was very foolish, and I won't any more. Take this away and hide it.

[Marthy takes picture, rolls it in her ap.r.o.n, and starts to door.

[Enter Bev from the hall. He, too, is very changed. All his boyish gaiety is covered with a deep sorrow. He tries to speak cheerfully to comfort her.

Fair. Oh, Bev, I've been wishing so you'd come.

[She goes quickly to him. He puts his arm around her, comforting her.

Marthy. Why don't you chullen go out fer a little walk. Mars Bev'll tek good care of you. It ud do you good, honey.

Fair (looks towards the window). Oh, no; not out there.

Bev. We'll be all right here; don't you worry, Marthy.

[Exit Marthy.

Fair. Bev, have you spoken to Charlotte?

Bev. Yes; she and mother seem so much better now. She's taken off the white dress and put on the black one. Mother said they both had so much left to live for. And Charlotte smiled and called me to her, and asked if the soldiers were still here, and if my uniform was finished, and begged me not to be unhappy. And she told me George was just as much ours as he had ever been, and told me how proud she was when all the soldiers told her he had been the first one in the fight.

Fair. I am so glad. Oh, Bev, it broke my heart! I felt as though we couldn't give George, too.

Bev. But we must think first of the South. We've given Phil and George now--father, if it must be--and then I'll go; but he and I'll come back to you.

[Enter at the back Mrs. S. and Charlotte; they walk hand in hand.

Charlotte wears a black dress like Fair's. Mrs. S. wears the costume she wore in Act I. Charlotte's color has come back, and she seems almost herself save for a slightly strained note in her voice.

Char. We are so glad to find you here. We came to see what had been left us--not very much. Well, we four are still together, and we have the home.

Mrs. S. This does not matter; we must not think of little things.

But we have father yet, and Carter and Gordon. G.o.d willing, we will have them safe again with us.

Char. (softly, with deep, tender emotion). And George, mother, we have him still; he is not gone. I tell you, my own sweetheart is not away, and every day that pa.s.ses brings me nearer to him. For he is still my own true George; he's with me now; yes, now. And I may keep him ever with me, here.

[She softly lays her hand over her heart.

Mrs. S. (gently drawing her nearer). My own dear daughter, may we have strength to feel he is not gone. Dear child, you have shown us all how George would have us live.

[She kisses her.

Char. There, mother, there. Now what can we do to make things brighter here. First, some light (she lights the candles). There, that's better. Ah, the room will take us many days, I fear.

Bev (helping them with the furniture). Mother, did you know that Winthrop has had a man stationed near the house for our protection? I've been wanting to see him to say how we thank him, but he has been very busy in the camp.

Fair. Is he still there?

Bev. Yes. The whole regiment is stationed there now.

Mrs. S. We will see him before they go away. Perhaps we can show him in some way that we are very grateful.

Char. He sent the ambulance to us when there was only one, and he gave a guard to see us safely through the lines, and even when we were at home he asked that we would keep the guard for our protection. Yes, mother, we must thank him for all this. And George would wish it so, I'm sure of it.

Fair (softly). Will he come here again; oh, mother, will he come?

[Enter Marthy with a table cloth over her arm.

Marthy. I don fix a little sprise for you all. I gwine gib you de best supper. Kin I fix it har for you?

[She spreads the cloth on the table.

Mrs. S. Why, Marthy, I'd forgotten. But is there anything for us except corn meal?

Marthy (delighted). You jes wait an see. I gwine gib you what you used to--dat I iz.

[Exit.

Mrs. S. Dear old Marthy. I often think--(a knock is heard at the door (Left). What was that?

Bev. Some one at the door.

Mrs. S. Impossible! it leads to your room.

[The knock again.

Bev. Who's there? (he opens the door) Who's in here?

Carter (within). Are you all there?

Bev. What do you mean? Come out!

[Enter Carter disguised. He wears a black beard, a hat pulled far over his eyes, and old, rough clothes and a very shabby U.S.

Army cloak; he has a pack on his back: he looks about, sees only the family, throws down the pack, tearing off his hat and beard.

Carter. Charlotte! Aunt!

[They pause for a moment, then rush to him.

Char. Carter!

Carter. Shut that window--quick!

[Fair runs to window, draws curtains.

Mrs. S. Carter! How have you come? Do you know--

Carter. Yes. I know they're out there still. That is why I am here.