KERCHIVAL. Oh! Of course, I forgot. [Rising.] I shall be delighted to ride at your side.
GERTRUDE. At my side! [Rising.] There isn't a horse in America that can keep by the side of my Jack, when I give him his head, and I'm sure to do it. You may follow us. But you can hardly ride in that costume; while you are changing it, I'll give Jack his bonbons. [Turning to window.] There he is, bless him! Pawing the ground, and impatient for me to be on his back. Let him come, Pete. [Holding up bonbons at window]. I love you.
KERCHIVAL. Eh? [Turning suddenly.
GERTRUDE. [Looking at him.] What?
KERCHIVAL. You were saying—
GERTRUDE. Jack! [looking out. The head of a large black horse appears through the window.] You dear old fellow! [Feeds with bonbons.] Jack has been my boy ever since he was a little colt. I brought you up, didn't I, Jack? He's the truest, and kindest, and best of friends; I wouldn't be parted from him for the world, and I'm the only woman he'll allow to be near him.
KERCHIVAL. [Earnestly.] You are the only woman, Miss Gertrude, that
I—
GERTRUDE. Dear Jack!
KERCHIVAL. [Aside.] Jack embarrasses me. He's a third party.
GERTRUDE. There! That will do for the present, Jack. Now go along with Pete! If you are a very good boy, and don't let Lieutenant Kerchival West come within a quarter of a mile of me, after the first three minutes, you shall have some more sugar-plums when we get to Mrs. Pinckney's. [An old negro leads the horse away. GERTRUDE looks around at KERCHIVAL.] You haven't gone to dress yet; we shall be late. Mrs. Pinckney asked a party of friends to witness the bombardment this morning, and breakfast together on the piazza while they are looking at it. We can remain and join them, if you like.