KERCHIVAL. Yes, I will. [Decisively.
GERTRUDE. You will be fighting against my friends, against my own brother, against me. We shall be enemies.
KERCHIVAL. [Firmly.] Even that, Gertrude—[She looks around at him; he looks squarely into her eyes as he proceeds.]—if you will have it so. If my country needs my services, I shall not refuse them, though it makes us enemies! [She wavers a moment, under strong emotion, and turns away; sinks upon the seat, her elbow on the back of it, and her tightly-clenched fist against her cheek, looking away from him.
GERTRUDE. I will have it so! I am a Southern woman!
KERCHIVAL. We have more at stake between us, this morning, than a cigar-case and a box of gloves. [Turning up stage.
Enter MRS. HAVERILL from apartment.
MRS. HAVERILL. Mr. West! I've been looking for you. I have a favour to ask.
KERCHIVAL. Of me?—with pleasure.
MRS. HAVERILL. But I am sorry to have interrupted you and Gertrude. [Apart.] There are tears in your eyes, Gertrude, dear!
GERTRUDE. [Apart.] They have no right there.