GERTRUDE. Colonel West! Your men made me a prisoner this afternoon; to-night you have robbed me, by your own orders, of—of—Jack is only a pet, but I love him; and my brother is also a captive in your hands. When we separated in Charleston you said that we were enemies. What is there lacking to make those words true to-day? You are my enemy! A few moments ago you asked me to make a confession to you. You can judge for yourself whether it is likely to be a confession of—love—or of hatred!
KERCHIVAL. Hatred!
GERTRUDE. [Facing him.] Listen to my confession, sir! From the bottom of my heart—
KERCHIVAL. Stop!
GERTRUDE. I will not stop!
KERCHIVAL. I command you.
GERTRUDE. Indeed! [He throws open the wallet in his hand and raises the letter.] Ah! [She turns away; turns again, as if to speak. He half opens the letter. She stamps her foot and walks up steps of the veranda. Here she turns again.] I tell you, I—[He opens the letter. She turns, and exits with spiteful step.
KERCHIVAL. I wonder if that document orders me to cut her head off! [Returning it to wallet and pocket.] Was ever lover in such a position? I am obliged to cross the woman I love at every step.
Enter CORPORAL DUNN, very hurriedly.
CORPORAL DUNN. A message from Adjutant Rollins, sir! The prisoner, Captain Thornton, dashed away from the special guard which was placed over him, and he has escaped. He had a knife concealed, and two of the guard are badly wounded. Adjutant Rollins thinks the prisoner is still within the lines of the camp—in one of the houses or the stables.