KERCHIVAL. May I accompany you? [ELLINGHAM turns to window.
GERTRUDE. My groom, old Pete, will be with me, of course; there's no particular need of anyone else. But you may go along, if you like. I've got my hands full of sugar-plums for Jack. Dear old Jack—he always has his share when we have company. I'm going over to Mrs. Pinckney's to see if she's had any more news from General Beauregard; her son is on the General's staff.
MADELINE. [Looking off right.] There's another rocket from Fort
Johnson; and it is answered from Fort Moultrie. Ah! [Angrily.]
General Beauregard is a bad, wicked man! [Coming down.
GERTRUDE. Oh! Madeline! You are a bad, wicked Northern girl to say such a thing.
MADELINE. I am a Northern girl.
GERTRUDE. And I am a Southern girl. [They face each other.
KERCHIVAL. The war has begun. [Dropping into chair.
ELLINGHAM has turned from window; he strolls across, watching the girls.
GERTRUDE. General Beauregard is a patriot.
MADELINE. He is a Rebel.