FRANK. Yes, sir. [KERCHIVAL moves to him and grasps his hand; looks into his eyes a moment before speaking.
KERCHIVAL. Frank Haverill.
FRANK. You—you know me, sir?
KERCHIVAL. I saw Mrs. Haverill while I was passing through Washington on Saturday. She told me that you had escaped from prison in Richmond, and had re-entered the service. She did not know then that you had been assigned to my regiment. I received a letter from her, in Winchester, this morning, informing me of the fact, and asking for my good offices in your behalf. But here is the letter. [Taking letter from wallet and giving it to him.] It is for you rather than for me. I shall do everything I can for you, my dear fellow.
FRANK. Thank you, sir. [Opens letter, dropping the envelope upon the table.] Kind, thoughtful and gentle to my faults, as ever—[Looking at the letter.]—and always thinking of my welfare. My poor little wife, too, is under her protection. Gentlemen, I beg of you not to reveal my secret to my father.
KERCHIVAL. General Haverill shall know nothing from us, my boy; you have my word for that.
HEARTSEASE. Nothing.
KERCHIVAL. And he cannot possibly recognize you. What with your full beard, and thinking as he does, that you are—
FRANK. That I am dead. I am dead to him. It would have been better if I had died. Nothing but my death—not even that—can wipe out the disgrace which I brought upon his name.
HEARTSEASE. [Looking right.] General Haverill has arrived.