[Enter HAVERILL, on veranda.]
Ah, Haverill!
HAVERILL. General Buckthorn! Have you heard anything of General
Sheridan since I sent that despatch to him last evening?
BUCKTHORN. He received it at midnight and sent back word that he considers it a ruse of the enemy. General Wright agrees with him. The reconnaissance yesterday showed no hostile force, on our right, and Crook reports that Early is retreating up the Valley. But General Sheridan may, perhaps, give up his journey to Washington, and he has ordered some changes in our line, to be executed this afternoon at four o'clock. I rode over to give you your instructions in person. You may order General McCuen to go into camp on the right of Meadow Brook, with the second division. [HAVERILL is writing in his note-book.
Enter JENNY, on veranda.
JENNY. Oh, papa! I'm so glad you've come. I've got something to say to you. [Running down and jumping into his arms, kissing him. He turns with her, and sets her down, squarely on her feet and straight before him.
BUCKTHORN. And I've got something to say to you—about Captain
Heartsease.
JENNY. Oh! That's just what I wanted to talk about.
BUCKTHORN. Fall in! Front face! [She jumps into military position, turning towards him.] What's this I hear from Sergeant Barket? He says you've been falling in love.
JENNY. I have. [Saluting.