Matt. Yes, I was a little noisy I confess. For a moment the old feeling was upon me. The swift pace, made my blood whirl. I saw before me not you, brave little one, but the enemy, in line of battle; the roars of cannon filled my ears, the smoke of battle my nostrils. The old cry came to my lips. Down on them! Death to the foe! Charge. (Goes R.)
Bess (comes to C.). Goodness, gracious! what a noise.
Matt. I beg your pardon; I hope I didn’t swear.
Bess. Make your mind easy, with the discharge of that terrific “charge;” there could be need for nothing more explosive.
Matt. Ah, well, it’s hard for a dog to forget his old tricks. I wish I could mine. I’m a rough fellow at the best. It’s a new life for me, this quiet home, you so kind and friendly, Roy’s friendship,——No, no; that’s not new. Heaven bless him: he’s the same old comrade of the battle days. I know I must be in the way here.
Bess. You are the best old fellow in the world (gives hands), and I love you dearly.
Matt. Love me?
Bess. As if you were my own brother. There sir, there’s a confession: make the most of it.
Matt. I wish I deserved it, little one; but it makes me (wiping eyes) very——that is——its——too much. (Aside.) Confound it, I shall blubber (Aloud.) Any news of Roy, Mrs. May?
May. No: I hoped you might have been to the office.