Reg. [Looking at letter.] And yet no word from Adrienne! [Exit into tent, R. 5 E.]
Dol. [At stool, L. 2 E., reads.] “I long for the time when this cruel war is over, when I may receive my brave Dollerclutch to this maiden heart.” Oh! this cruel war, to keep such fond hearts apart! Hello! Here is something on the other side—[reads.] “Hilda tells me to write you that she has not forgotten you, and God bless you!” No, nor have I forgotten her! Poor girl! I’ve watched him and pumped him, but I can’t find out anything—he’s as close as an oyster with—[Sees wallet on ground.] Hello! What’s this? [Picks it up.] “R. M.” Why, it’s his! [Looks around.] H’m! I’ll investigate! [Opens it and pulls out papers. He unfolds one and jumps up excitedly.] Hurrah! Hilda’s marriage record, by the jumping jingo! [He looks around, places it in his pocket.] Good! [Unfolds another.] H’m—’tis part of a letter—[reads] “of old Maitland”—something torn off and then—“of old Maitland”—[reads further] “Revenge is sweet. I can fancy how he grieves for his lost Alice!” [Studies.] Maitland! The devil! That’s Reginald’s name; but he says old Maitland—he’s young; but he’s got a father. Of course he has, and he’s older than he. Certainly he is! How stupid I am! [Studies again.] H’m! [Pulls out baby dress from his bosom and examines initials.] A. M.! [Jumps up.] Eureka! by the jumping jingo! A.—Alice! M.—Maitland! That’s Hilda’s name, I’ll stake my life! Here comes the rascal back. [Dollerclutch puts letter in his pocket hastily—he leaves the wallet on the ground, where he found it—goes a little up stage and appears interested in his own letter.]
Enter Ralph, L. 2 E., as if hunting for something.
Ralph. Confound it! I must have dropped it when I pulled those letters from my pocket! [Sees wallet on ground.] Ah! Here it is! safe! What a fortunate thing it did not fall into anybody’s hands! Good! I’m a lucky dog! [Exit L. 2 E.]
Dol. [Comes down and looks after him.] Yes! and I’m a luckier dog. I can go you one better, my chap. George Washington, you did that slick—you’re a trump! But how shall I get these papers to the poor girl? Confound it, I can’t send them to her for fear they’ll fall into his hands again. If I keep them he’ll soon discover his loss and institute a search. If I hide them until the war is over, I might get shot by an infernal rebel, and then how will the poor girl know about them? Now, this is a dilemma! [Studies.] I have it! It is only five or six miles to the place. I’ll take them myself. I’ll wait till dark, then I’ll slip away. I can be back in three hours! [Sudden thought.] What if my absence should be discovered? Then I’ll be in a pretty pickle! Court-martial—probably shot for a deserter. Ugh! [Sudden determination.] I’ll risk it; I promised to see this thing through, and, hang it, George Washington Dollerclutch will stand by his word. Besides, I’ll have a chance to see my charming Anastasia. That’ll nerve me in the undertaking. [Retires up stage and Exits into tent, L. 4 E. During the last speech the stage is gradually darkened. Henry comes forward, C.]
Hen. Dollerclutch! [Dollerclutch sticks his head out of tent.] You will serve as sentinel on the high rock for the night. Maitland, relieve Softhead. [They salute and go to their respective posts. Dollerclutch on high rock, L. 5 E. Reginald, L. 1 E.] This is going to be a dark night. I’ll turn in. [Exit Henry, L. 2 E. The rest retire to their tents.]
Dol. Now for my journey! [He comes down, gets a cloak from tent, L. 4 E., and steals away cautiously, R. 3 E.]
Reg. [L. C. In a study.] “Adrienne has taught little Alice to pray for you.” How strangely my father’s words move me! Perhaps—but no! no!—that will never be! Adrienne must be forever dead to my yearning heart. When I entered the army I thought I had buried the joy of life forever. But love for my child has sprung from the ashes of my forlorn hopes, to cheer my drooping heart, like the oasis to the weary traveler of the desert. Oh! the longing of a father’s heart! What would I not give to see her—speak to her. Oh! I feel as if I could not resist the temptation to go and have if but one look. Yes, yes—a soldier’s life is uncertain—it may be the only opportunity to cast my eyes upon my darling Alice!
Enter Ralph, L. 2 E. He pauses. Reginald at C.
Reg. I cannot resist the impulse. I must see my child! [Exit hurriedly into tent, L. 5 E. Ralph watches him cautiously.]