ELLINGHAM. Your name was just on my tongue, Mr. Thornton.
THORNTON. I thought I heard it, but you are welcome to it. Miss Gertrude has asked me to ride over to Mrs. Pinckney's with her, to learn if there is any further news from the batteries. I am very glad the time to attack Fort Sumter has come at last!
ELLINGHAM. I do not share your pleasure.
THORNTON. You are a Southern gentleman.
ELLINGHAM. And you are a Northern "gentleman."
THORNTON. A Southerner by choice; I shall join the cause.
ELLINGHAM. We native Southerners will defend our own rights, sir; you may leave them in our keeping. It is my wish, Mr. Thornton, that you do not accompany my sister.
THORNTON. Indeed!
ELLINGHAM. Her groom, alone, will be sufficient.
THORNTON. As you please, sir. Kindly offer my excuses to Miss Gertrude. You and I can chat over the subject later in the day, when we are alone. [Moving up stage.