The Southern Cross Part 7

Evans. We are going in there.

Mrs. S. You are not!

[The man tries to push past her, but Cupid steps forward with the ax.

Cupid (in a rage). You da.r.s.ent tuch my mistis!

Evans. I'll break your head in, d.a.m.n you!

[He starts to strike him with his sword. Mrs. S. steps quickly between them.

Mrs. S. You will not dare to touch my servant.

Evans (very angry). Get him out of the way, then, or I'll show you.

[Here the door of the house is kicked open from within. Several soldiers enter from house.

A Soldier. We're in from the back way. Come on!

[Mrs. S., Charlotte, Fair, Bev, Cupid and Marthy come down into yard and cross to the garden gate. All the soldiers except the corporal and two or three others exit into house.

Evans. I'll stay out here with the ladies (laughs). What's past that gate?

Mrs. S. My garden, sir.

Evans. Men, I believe they are hiding some one here. What's in that garden?

Mrs. S. The memory of my blessed dead.

Evans. What!

Mrs. S. My son, sir.

Evans. Where is he? (Quickly).

Mrs. S. Beyond your reach. His grave is in the garden.

Evans (in an uneasy way steps back). I--I beg your pardon, mam!

[Enter from the house all the soldiers. They carry a large cedar chest. Others have china, pictures, rugs, some furniture and ornaments. These they throw roughly on the ground.

Nearly all are eating. They throw the chest lid back and lift out the silver, quarreling loudly for its possession.

Cupid. Fo' Gaud, ef de ain't got de silber!

[Horses hoofs are heard, but the men are too engrossed to notice.

[Enter hurriedly from the lane Col. Stephen Winthrop and Maurice Hopkins. Winthrop is a handsome, soldierly young man of about twenty-five. He wears the regular U.S. uniform of Colonel. Hopkins is younger and somewhat smaller than Winthrop, though a handsome, manly-looking fellow. They rush in among the men, beating them over the backs with sabers.

Winthrop (in great anger). You d.a.m.ned cowards! Get out! Every one of you shall be court-martialed.

Hopkins. Fine soldiers, you dogs! You'll pay for this.

[The soldiers stand in frightened groups.

Winth. I was detained. Who's in command?

Hop. Corporal Evans.

[Evans salutes.

Winth. Consider yourself under arrest.

Hop. (looks toward the house). The old place, too.

Winth. An outrage! Back to your horses and wait there. Where are the people?

[Exit soldiers.

[They turn and discover the group at the gate. They quickly advance.

Winth. (delighted). Mrs. Stuart, how can we say how we regret this intrusion.

[He offers his hand. Mrs. S. looks at him for a moment as though she does not recognize him, then draws back.

Mrs. S. My home is yours by right of conquest.

Winth. (stops) No. I beg of you--

Mrs. S. We await your pleasure, sir.

Winth. (falling back a step). Surely you have forgotten; we were once your guests.

Mrs. S. We have not forgotten, sir; nor can we soon forget.

Winth. (greatly grieved). Once you welcomed us. I know I wear the uniform--yet, I am still your friend, your kinsman.

Mrs. S. I claim no kin with those who take up arms against the South.

[Enter Evans, hurriedly.

Evans. Word has come that our regiment has met the enemy one mile away. They're engaging now. Hark to the guns!

[The distant sound of guns.

Winth. Boots and saddles, quick!

[Exit Evans on run.