[He and Hopkins exit hurriedly. The horses hoofs are heard as they gallop away. They stand silently listening. Fair throws her arms around her mother's neck, sobbing.
Fair. Oh, mother! mother!
Char. We must not fear; there's no time for that.
Fair. Oh, I am not afraid.
Bev. Have our men had time? They must have reached the camp to give the warning.
Mrs. S. The fighting can't last long, so few men are engaged. But those who are will need our aid if they are wounded. Come in; we'll be prepared to help.
Char. (at the gate, looking off to where the shots are heard). I cannot go inside—I cannot.
Mrs. S. (her arm around Charlotte). Please God, he'll come back to you, dear.
[She exits into house with Marthy and Cupid, while Fair and Bev remain with Charlotte at the gate.
Bev. The firing's stopped; 'twas only a skirmish. Our men ought to be safe by now. Winthrop had only a few men with him, reconnoitering.