KERCHIVAL. Ah! Very well, Corporal; you can go. [Rising; he motions the GUARD to retire. CORPORAL DUNN gives the necessary orders and exit with GUARD.] Be seated, madam. [GERTRUDE draws up, folding her arms and planting her foot, spitefully. KERCHIVAL shrugs his shoulder. Aside.] I wish they'd capture a tigress for me, or some other female animal that I know how to manage better than I do a woman. [Aloud.] I am very sorry, madam, but, of course, my duty as a military officer is paramount to all other considerations. You have been captured within the lines of this army, and under circumstances which lead me to think that you have important despatches upon your person. I trust that you will give me whatever you have at once. I shall be exceedingly sorry if you compel me to adopt the extreme—and the very disagreeable course—for both of us—of having—you—I—I hesitate even to use the word, madam—but military law is absolute—having you—
GERTRUDE. Searched! If you dare, Colonel West! [Turning to him suddenly and drawing up to her full height.
KERCHIVAL. Gertrude Ellingham! [Springs across to her, with his arms extended.] My dear Gertrude!
GERTRUDE. [Turning her back upon him.] Not "dear Gertrude" to you, sir!
KERCHIVAL. Not?—Oh! I forgot.
GERTRUDE. [Coldly.] I am your prisoner.
KERCHIVAL. Yes. [Drawing up firmly, with a change of manner.] We will return to the painful realities of war. I am very sorry that you have placed yourself in a position like this, and, believe me, Gertrude—[With growing tenderness.]—I am still more sorry to be in such a position myself. [Resting one hand on her arm, and his other arm about her waist.
GERTRUDE. [After looking down at his hands.] You don't like the position? [He starts back, drawing up with dignity.] Is that the paramount duty of a military officer?
KERCHIVAL. You will please hand me whatever despatches or other papers may be in your possession.
GERTRUDE. [Looking away.] You will force me, I suppose. I am a woman; you have the power. Order in the guard! A corporal and two men—you'd better make it a dozen—I am dangerous! Call the whole regiment to arms! Beat the long roll! I won't give up, if all the armies of the United States surround me.