BUCKTHORN. I shall have him shot for insubordination to his commander, immediately. [Gives KERCHIVAL a huge wink, and turns.
GERTRUDE. Oh, sir! General! I have told you the truth. I have no despatches. Believe me, sir, I haven't so much as a piece of paper about me, except—
BUCKTHORN. Except? [Turning sharply.
GERTRUDE. Only a letter. Here it is. [Taking letter from the bosom of her dress.] Upon my soul, it is all I have. Truly it is.
BUCKTHORN. [Taking letter.] Colonel West, you're reprieved. [Winks
at KERCHIVAL, who turns away, laughing. BUCKTHORN reads letter.]
"Washington"—Ho!—ho! From within our own lines!—"Colonel Kerchival
West—"
KERCHIVAL. Eh?
GERTRUDE. Please, General!—Don't read it aloud.
BUCKTHORN. Very well! I won't.
KERCHIVAL. [Aside.] I wonder what it has to do with me?
BUCKTHORN. [Reading. Aside.] "If Kerchival West had heard you say, as I did—m—m——that you loved him with your whole heart—" [He glances up at GERTRUDE, who drops her head coyly.] This is a very important military document. [Turns to last page.] "Signed, Constance Haverill." [Turns to front page.] "My dear Gertrude!" Is this Miss Gertrude Ellingham?