Polly (sees Dor.). Hush, Bijah, Miss Dorothy is here.
Dor. (raises head; comes forward). A visitor, Polly?
Polly. Yes ma'am. A friend from Oldtown; and only think, Miss Dorothy, he knows your Mr. Roger.
Dor. Knows my Roger? (Goes to Bijah.) Oh, tell me of him; where is he?
Bijah. That I cannot tell you (takes letter from pocket), but here is a letter, which he bade me give you should I ever come to Baltimore.
(Dor. takes letter; breaks seal. Bijah and Polly retire to window; music.)
Dor. (reads). My darling Dorothy.—That you still have faith in me I have no doubt. Your heart is too pure for anything else. I have enlisted in the army, and only as private will serve my country with heart and soul. When the war is over, I will return to you; my innocence established, and the foe, not only my country's but my own, defeated and trodden under foot. Bijah Bright, the bearer of this letter, is a true and loyal friend. He is worthy of your greatest respect, for he stood by me in my darkest hours. My love to dear sister Ruth. Until we meet again, yours in life or in death.
Roger.
Dor. (kisses letter). Mr. Bright, I am more than grateful to you for bringing this letter; it fills my heart with renewed hope. Believe me (gives hand to Bijah), your loyalty to Roger makes us warm and steadfast friends.