Reg. No one here? How my heart does beat in anticipation of seeing my beloved Alice. [Looks around.] Oh, the bitter memories that haunt my mind at the sight of each familiar object! [Sees crib, L. 4 E. Goes to it eagerly and pulls curtain aside.] My child! my Alice! Heavenly Father, I thank Thee! She sleeps. Oh, Thou being of innocence, free from the taint of a deceitful world, I will not disturb the peaceful quiet of thy innocent slumber. Let me feast my eyes upon my sleeping darling! [He kneels.] Let the sweet picture of purity and innocence be forever hung in the desolate cavern of my bleeding heart, safely to guide me to that eternal home where the soul can find a haven of peace and rest! [His head sinks.]
Enter Adrienne, door L. 2 E. She goes to R. C. and sees Reginald. She is alarmed.
Adri. What means this? A stranger!
Reg. [Rises suddenly and turns.] Adrienne! [He turns away.]
Adri. Reginald! [She pauses, with heaving bosom.]
Reg. I beg your pardon, Adrienne, for this intrusion. The impulse to see my child caused me to forsake my post of duty. It led me here to have but one look upon her darling form. I have been satisfied and I am ready to return to the stern post of duty. [He turns to go towards door in L. F.]
Adri. And have you no word for me? [He pauses.] Not a look for the mother of your child? [Reginald keeps his back towards her. Adrienne stretches her arms towards him.] Am I so soon forgotten? [He presses his brow. Pause.] Reginald, I love you! come back! [Reginald turns suddenly and springs towards her.]
Reg. Adrienne! [She falls into his arms.] My beloved Adrienne!
Adri. [After a pause.] Now am I happy, indeed! My prayers have been answered!
Reg. Heaven is, indeed, merciful, in bringing this joy into my dreary existence! I fulfilled my duty as a soldier more with the desire to die in the service of my country, than to live. But now, I enter the fight doubly armed, for I now know that I have something more to live for besides my child—a loving wife.