The Southern Cross Part 8

I beg your pardon for intruding, madam. You shall not be troubled in this way again.

[He and Hopkins exit hurriedly. The horses hoofs are heard as they gallop away. They stand silently listening. Fair throws her arms around her mother's neck, sobbing.

Fair. Oh, mother! mother!

Char. We must not fear; there's no time for that.

Fair. Oh, I am not afraid.

Bev. Have our men had time? They must have reached the camp to give the warning.

Mrs. S. The fighting can't last long, so few men are engaged. But those who are will need our aid if they are wounded. Come in; we'll be prepared to help.

Char. (at the gate, looking off to where the shots are heard).

I cannot go inside--I cannot.

Mrs. S. (her arm around Charlotte). Please G.o.d, he'll come back to you, dear.

[She exits into house with Marthy and Cupid, while Fair and Bev remain with Charlotte at the gate.

Bev. The firing's stopped; 'twas only a skirmish. Our men ought to be safe by now. Winthrop had only a few men with him, reconnoitering.

Fair. He--didn't have time to get into the fight, did he?

Bev. I suppose not. The men went first.

Fair. Ah--

[Re-enter Mrs. S. with Cupid and Marthy from the house.

Mrs. S. The fight could not have been more than a mile away.

We'll have some news before so very long.

Bev. Oh, let me, mother; I'll ride down and see.

Mrs. S. No, Bevie, no. You must stay here. We have you yet.

Bev (quietly). I'll stay, mother.

Char. (who has been straining her eyes through the dusk, turns quickly). I hear a horse; it's running. Ah, G.o.d! let this be news.

[Horse's hoofs are heard rapidly approaching.

Fair. It cannot be so soon.

Bev. It is; it is. He's coming up the avenue. It's Winthrop. He's riding for his life!

Fair. Steve! For his life--G.o.d!

[The horse's hoofs stop; enter Winthrop hurriedly.

Winth. (removing hat). I grieve to tell you, madam, that your son George is badly wounded. You must go to him at once.

Char. George! Come, mother; come while there is time!

Winth. I met a man sent back to say it was only a skirmish. All save a few escaped. But your son was the first man in the attack.

Mrs. S. (to Cupid). Get me the carriage.

[Exit hurriedly Cupid and Marthy.

Bev. In a second, mother.

[He runs off after Cupid.

Char. (comes slowly before Winthrop, gazing up into his face, her voice almost a whisper). Dead?

Winth. Badly wounded.

Char. Ah! Quick, mother, your wrap!

Fair. I'll get it. Wait.

[She runs into the house.

Winth. One moment--your pa.s.sport. Here (he writes on a card, gives to Mrs. S.). Show this if you are halted.

Mrs. S. I thank you, sir, for your kindness to me.

[She offers hand.

Winth. (takes hand). My pleasure, madam.

Char. And my thanks, sir.

[He bows to her.

Fair (enters with the wrap, placing it about her shoulders). Oh, mother, bring him back to me!

[Enter Cupid.

Cupid. Missus, de cerrige is ready.

Mrs. S. Try and get me there, Cupid.

Cupid. I gwine get you dar ef de Lord spars me.

[Exit Mrs. S., Charlotte and Cupid. Winthrop stands looking in a longing way at Fair, who follows her mother with her eyes 'till she is off, then she slowly turns.