HAVERILL. I understand you. A mother? Or—
KERCHIVAL. I have the address of Lieutenant Bedloe's friends, General.
HAVERILL. I will ask you to give it to me, if necessary. [Extends his hand.] Good-bye, my lad. [FRANK moves to him. HAVERILL grasps his hand, warmly.] Keep a brave heart and come back to us. [FRANK moves up stage. Exit STAFF OFFICER.
FRANK. He is my father still. [Exit.
HAVERILL. My dead boy's face! [Dropping his face into both hands.
HEARTSEASE. [Apart to KERCHIVAL.] He shall not go alone. [Aloud.]
General! Will you kindly give me leave of absence from the command?
HAVERILL. Leave of absence! To an officer in active service—and in the presence of the enemy?
KERCHIVAL. [Taking hand of HEARTSEASE. Apart.] God bless you, old fellow! Look after the boy.
HAVERILL. A—h—[With a sudden thought, turns.] I think I understand you, Captain Heartsease. Yes; you may have leave of absence.
HEARTSEASE. Thank you. [Salutes. HAVERILL and KERCHIVAL salute.
Exit HEARTSEASE.