GERTRUDE. Let me call the Surgeon, Kerchival.
KERCHIVAL. You can be of more service to me than he can. [Detaining her. Very heavy sounds of the battle; she starts, listening.] Never mind that! It's only a battle. You love me!
GERTRUDE. Be quiet, Kerchival, dear. I do love you. I told you so, when you lay bleeding here, last night. But you could not hear me. [At his side, resting her arm about him, stroking his head.] I said that same thing—to—to—another, more than three years ago. It is in that letter that General Buckthorn gave you. [KERCHIVAL starts.] No—no—you must be very quiet, or I will not say another word. If you obey me, I will repeat that part of the letter, every word; I know it by heart, for I read it a dozen times. The letter is from Mrs. Haverill.
KERCHIVAL. [Quietly.] Go on.
GERTRUDE. "I have kept your secret, my darling, but I was sorely tempted to betray the confidence you reposed in me at Charleston. If Kerchival West—[She retires backward from him as she proceeds.]—had heard you say, as I did, when your face was hidden in my bosom, that night, that you loved him with your whole heart—"
KERCHIVAL. Ah! [Starting to his feet. He sinks back. She springs to support him.
GERTRUDE. I will go for help.
KERCHIVAL. Do not leave me at such a moment as this. You have brought me a new life. [Bringing her to her knees before him and looking down at her.] Heaven is just opening before me. [His hands drops suddenly and his head falls back. Battle.
GERTRUDE. Ah! Kerchival! You are dying! [Musketry. A sudden sharp burst of musketry, mingled with the roar of artillery near by. KERCHIVAL starts, seizing GERTRUDE'S arm and holding her away, still on her knees. He looks eagerly.
KERCHIVAL. The enemy is close upon us!