Adol. [Comes forward.] Thank you, Major! [Salutes, and retires up stage reading.]
Ralph. [As before.] George Washington Dollerclutch.
Dol. [Comes down.] That’s me, Major! [He takes letter, salutes and sits on stool, near which pocket-book lies.]
Enter Reginald, from tent.
Reg. [R. C., to Ralph.] Anything for me, Major? [Salutes.]
Ralph. [Coldly.] Yes! [Hands him letter.]
Reg. Thank you, Major! [Salutes and retires up stage reading.]
Ralph. [Looking after him.] Curse him! How I hate him! The proud fool! Satisfied to remain a private! If he’d accepted promotion, as it was offered him from time to time, for his gallant bravery in the field, he would be my superior officer. As it is, he prefers to remain a private, because, as he says, his ambition does not aspire to receive the plaudits of his country. The commanding officers cannot find praise enough for his heroism in action. Curse him! [To Henry on right.] Lowville, you will meet the officers in a half hour from now, for consultation.
Hen. All right, Major! [Exit Ralph, L. 2 E.]