BUCKTHORN. We only know that Kerchival was not found among the dead of his own regiment at Cedar Creek, though he fell among them during the fight. The three girls searched the field for him, but he was not there. As darkness came on, and they were returning to the house, Gertrude suddenly seized the bridle of a stray horse, sprang upon its back and rode away to the South, into the woods at the foot of Three Top Mountain. The other two girls watched for her in vain. She did not return, and we have heard nothing from her since.
ELLINGHAM. Poor girl! I understand what was in her thoughts, and she was right. We captured fourteen hundred prisoners that day, although we were defeated, and Kerchival must have been among them. Gertrude rode away, alone, in the darkness, to find him. I shall return to the South at once and learn where she now is.
JANNETTE has re-entered, down the stairs.
JANNETTE. Miss Madeline will be down in a moment. [Exit in hall.
BARKET. [Aside.] That name wint through his chist like a rifle ball.
BUCKTHORN. Will you step into the drawing-room, Colonel? I will see
Madeline myself, first. She does not even know that you are living.
ELLINGHAM. I hardly dared asked for her. [Passing; turns.] Is she well?
BUCKTHORN. Yes; and happy—or soon will be.
ELLINGHAM. Peace, at last! [Exit to apartment. BUCKTHORN closes portières.
BUCKTHORN. I ought to prepare Madeline a little, Barket; you must help me.