(Enters room. Potts salutes.)
Col. Glad to see you, major; our time is up, old fellow. Ah, been for a ride with madcap Dorothy? (Putting his hand on Dorothy's shoulder.) I tell you, major, if every man in the regiment was fired with the enthusiasm which this brave-hearted girl possesses, we should have no deserters. (Turns to Newcomb.) Major, allow me to introduce my friend, Mr. Randolph Newcomb. (Potts bows frigidly and does not see Newcomb's hand which he has extended. Dorothy bows slightly.)
Col. (seated in arm-chair; Ruth beside him). Newcomb, since you are not on our side, I cannot say “Come and join us” in the fight. No doubt, you are doing your duty equally well, by remaining here.
Newcomb. There is other work besides fighting, Colonel, and mine lies close at hand.
Col. True. And that reminds me of mine. Come, major, escort me to my room. We will talk over the plans for our return. Dorothy, dear, I must lean upon you, too. Ruth, I leave Mr. Newcomb to your kind care. Good-morning, Newcomb.
(Exeunt Col., Major, and Dor., L.)
Ruth (coming forward, about to seat herself at table; coldly). Won't you be seated, Mr. Newcomb?
New. (sits in chair near mantel). The colonel insists upon a return; do you think this wise, Mrs. Graham?
Ruth. His heart is so full of patriotism, every hour's delay irritates him. Since he cannot be persuaded, I think it wiser to let him go. Yet, I fear for his safety. That shot in the back was mysterious. Some foe, calling himself friend, lurks near him; why, I cannot imagine. He is everything that is true and noble; and whoever fired that shot had some motive, which one attempt upon the colonel's life will not satisfy.
New. My dear Mrs. Graham, you are morbid. A colonel's life is at hazard as well as that of a private. Why could not the shot from an enemy's rifle have done the work?