MADELINE. Kerchival has been in love with you for the last three months. [GERTRUDE offers her lips—they kiss.
KERCHIVAL. I fell in love with her the day before yesterday. [The two gentlemen grasp each other's hand warmly.
ELLINGHAM. We understand each other, Kerchival. [He turns up centre, and stops at door.] Miss Madeline, you said just now that you wished to watch the forts. Would you like to walk down to the shore?
MADELINE. Yes! [Rising and going up to him. He takes one of her hands in his own and looks at her earnestly.
ELLINGHAM. This will be the last day that we shall be together for the present. But we shall meet again—sometime—if we both live.
MADELINE. If we both live! You mean—if you live: You must go into this dreadful war, if it comes.
ELLINGHAM. Yes, Madeline, I must. Come, let us watch for our fate.
[Exeunt on veranda.
KERCHIVAL. [Aside.] I must leave Charleston to-day. [Sighs.] Does she love me?
GERTRUDE. I am ready to start, Mr. West, when you are.