Char. (a wild gleam of hope in her face). You will save him. You can do this for us; say he will live; we ask no more than that. His life—you hear—his life; give that to me!
Carter (gently putting his arm around her). Hush, dearest. That must be enough. I am his prisoner. You must not ask for that which in honor he must refuse.
Char. (breaking wildly from him). You hear, mother; Fair, you hear. Speak to him. Ah, he cannot refuse. Speak to him. Down on your knees, if it must be. Mother, go to him. It is my brother's life!
Hop. (to Winthrop). There's nothing else—for us?
Winth. Our duty. Help me, boy. God knows I need it.
Mrs. S. (coming before Winthrop; speaking in a low, strained voice). We await your pleasure. Is there nothing you can do? In the happy memory of the days that are not deeply buried in the past, in memory of the love we bore to you; in memory of the state that gave you birth—and that has always held a home for you; in memory of all this, say what you can do for us. If you take him, then tear out our hearts and take them too. Oh, surely, there is something you can do. Speak now, for those who are your kinsmen and have loved you await your answer.
[Winthrop has stood gazing off before him, his hands clenched at his side. Breathing heavily he turns to them.
Winth. My duty to the country that has put her trust in me must give your answer, not my heart, for that seems dead (slowly). He must go with me.
Char. Ah!