Hen. Why, if you lost your temper, you are well rid of it, and ought to be jolly. But you look as if you had it still. Ha! ha! ha!
Ralph. Confound your jokes; I’m in no humor for levity.
Hen. No, I guess not. But where have you kept yourself buried? I have not seen you since my sister’s Grand Ball. I suppose you know she’s married to Maitland?
Ralph. Yes! yes! I wish her much joy. What are you doing in that uniform?
Hen. Oh! I’ve enlisted in the army and was made a recruiting officer. There is going to be a hot time. The rebels have taken possession of all the prominent military stations in the South. And when Lincoln made a call for three hundred thousand volunteers, I could not resist the desire to do my duty and help preserve the Union. Besides, I was getting tired of the lazy, drone-like life of society.
Ralph. And are you seeking volunteers?
Hen. Yes; besides, I am looking up a lot of individuals whose names I have here.
Ralph. Volunteers?
Hen. No! The President has ordered a draft to be made for men, and I am on the look-out for some.
Ralph. Have you got me down in the draft?