,7^J^ ■C/%^; '*f»^:. ?v^'^^^ ^-. . ^>«^?*. ^k-^, V: PS CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THE Joseph Whitmore Barry dramatic library THE GIFT OF T'WO FRIENDS OF Cornell University 1934 Cornell University Library PS 1744.G2H4 The five-act war drama. Held by the enem 3 1924 021 976 554 Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924021976554 Held by the Enemy GILLETTE .^ FRENCHSSWNDARO UBRARYedITIOI' C n SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 W^.t 38th St.. N^w Y^A CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Joseph Whitmore Barry dramatic library THE GIFT OF T'WO FRIENDS OF Cornell University ^934 THE FIVE-ACT WAR DRAMA HELD BY THE ENEMY TAKING PLACE IN A SOUTHERN CITY WHICH HAS BEEN CAPTURES AND OCCUPIED BY NORTHERN FORCES DUS' ING THE REBELLION WRITTEN BY WILLIAM GILLETTE COPYRIOHTj 1898, BY WiLLIAM GiLLBTTH CAUTION. — All penon* are hereby warned that "Held by the Enemy** beintf fully protected under the copyright la^^a of the United Statea. ia auhiect to royalty, and anyone presenting the play without the eonaeat of the author or hia authorized atfent, will be liable to the penaltiea by laiv provided. We will be pleaaed to quote royalty for amateur production on application. t t- New York SAMUEL FRENCH London SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 28-30 V e CHARACTERS MAJ. GEN. H. K. STAMBURG COL. HARVEY BRANT LIEUT. GORDON HAYNE BRIGADE SURGEON FIELDING ASST. SURGEON HATHAWAY THOMAS H. BEENB UNCLE RUFUS LIEUT, COL. Mcpherson CAPT. WOODFORD ADJ. GEN. MARSTON CAPT. BENTON CORPORAL SPRINGER LIEUT. MASSEN SERGEANT OF THE GUARD HINTON SENTRY CLERK AIDE EUNICE McCREERY SUSAN McCREERY SARAH McCREERY V< N< V< FIRST ACT— Drawing Room at the McCreery'i THE SPECIAL GUARD SECOND ACT— Caiemite in the Fortificstioni THE COURT MARTIAL THIRD ACT— SoUy'i 'VmAiaam Uied A« Hudquutet* anil Military Priaon UNDER FIRE FOURTH ACT— DiimantUd Church Uaed aa a Military Hoapital LIFE OR DEATH FIFTH ACT— The McCreery Drawing Room— A Month Later HELD BY THE ENEMY HELD BY THE ENEMY TIME OF PLAYING FiKST Act: 28 minutes. Wait: 11 minutes. Second Act : 14 minutes. Wait : 10 minutes. Thied Act: 16 minutes. Wait: 8 minutes. Fourth Act: 17 minutes. Wait: 8 minutes. Fifth Act : 30 minutes. 2 Hours 33 Minutes. DIALECT MEM The Southern "dialect" is only roughly indicated. It should not, in most cases, be carried as far as written. For instance, "I" is not pronounced "Ah" — but only slightly toward it. This refers to charac- ters of Sarah, Susan, Hayne, and sometimes Eunice, and should be copied in at the begiiming of thosa parts. 4 HELD BY THE ENEMY PEOPEETY PLOT ACT I Interior: — Living room of old, bandsome, rich in- terior, Southern style, i Period of 1'863^: Ground cloth (matting, if possiHe) old-fasliioned rugs (carpet). Old-fashioned rugs (fur). Portieres on arch L. c. to draw easily and cover in entire arch; portieres on window h. c, old-fashioned lambrequins over these portieres. Stair carpet and rugs on stairs up l. c. V On walls: — Number of old-fashioned paintings in gilt and heavy walnut frames; some square ones to be landscape and oval ones, portraits of the period and older; large square painting over mantel, very indistinct, might be a portrait or a landscape. Lot of small oval pictures of persons and scenes on walls. All pictures hung with cord, no wire, and old-fashioned picture nails. Wall pockets for newspapers, etc. Large old-fashioned mantel and fireplace down E. Old-fashioned fender, poker, etc. [ On mantel: — ^Eich ornaments of the period; clock \ and figures, vases, stuffed bird in glass case. Photo of Eunice McCreery in plush frame, old- fashioned call bell. Above E. P. : — Book shelves and books, with little hangings, partly drawn. Statuette, globe and vase on book shelves. ' Old-fashioned square piano up E. o. On piano: — Old-fashioned scarf, pile of old-fash- ioned music books and music, piano stool. V Stand: — (Oval marble top) up c. Old-fashioned oil lamp, with shade, lighted. Vase of violets. Crocheted stand cover. Music rack and music near piano. /o HELD BY THE ENEMY S [^ High ladies' work basket near P. P. J In basket : — ^Yarn, needles, spools of thread, BcissorB, gourd;^ etc. Easy chair in front of fire. Arm chair up c. Oval marble top table B. c, chair each side; crocheted table cover (centerpiece). Family Bible or Album on table. Sofa against wall L. above door. Chair above sofa. Sofa in hallway near stairs. Hanging lamp (old- fashioned) lighted in hallway up l. c. All chairs and sofas to have tidies on backs and on arms of arm chairs and sofas. Several pictures on walls of hallway up l. o. 3 other small chairs. 2 carpet hassocks. 1 old-fashioned hassock on castors. Hook or key fastening for double window up e. c. Lot of vines and honey- suckle for trellis outside window B. c. . SIDE PEOPS For Eufus: — Off l. 1 e. card, salver, written letter, crumpled written note on note paper. For Beene: — Off l. 1 e., sketch pad, pencil, written letter, sketch in book. For Eunice: — Crumpled written note on note paper (same as Eufus had earlier in Act). For Gordon: — Military sketch plans of fortifica- tions, etc. ingle of door bell off L. 1 B. Effect of breaking in door with biitt of gun off L. 3 B., splitting effect, etc. Springfield rifles and bayonets. ACT II V6 g Interior: — Casemate of a fort, grand cloth to repre- sent earth or stone; built up break in wall up B. (timbers shattered and crushed as if a cannon ball or shell had struck there, tree trunk and < HELD BY THE ENEMY beams braced about it, as if to hold timbers in place). 2 Parrott guns on gun carriages built about three- . quarters round; make one a little smaller than the other, so it can go inside in packing. ^ 1 Parrott gun of profile ; slightly smaller than others. Sand bags, timbers, large rocks, etc. '(^Stacks of shot near each gun, but out of reach of the portholes, so that a shot through the porthole would not scatter them. Near guns, implements for cleaning, loading, etc. Sponge on staffs, buckets of water, rammers. An artillery guidon torn and stained, either torn and mutilated flags. Long table at e. built of rough boards resting on timbers or boxes ; table about 10 feet long and 3 feet wide, bayonets stuck in table with lighted candles in them. Chair at u. end of table. Chair at 0. end of table. 4 boxes or camp stools e. end of table. 4 boxes or camp stools L. end of table. 2 kitchen chairs L. c. One covered with red blanket. On table; — Brown manilla paper about the size of foolscap, pens, ink in old-fashioned bottles. Small black Bible; book of military regulations. SIDE PROPS For Brant: — Map taken from Haynes in Act I. ACT III Interior : — Old warehouse, night. Bare floor, window at L., small glass planes, dirty and cobwebby. Large built fireplace at b. down stage, built of real and wooden bricks to break away at cue, falling in on stage, leaving jagged opening very large, showing thickness of brick wall, bricks half HELD BY THE ENEMY f down, shell is supposed to strike it. This fire- place and hooded chimney is ahont 7 or 8 feet wide and ten to twelve high. It is a big effect if made properly. Will also use breakaway ceil- ing on this. There must also be effects on the backing of the c. opening of shells striking in distant part of town and setting house on fire. Rough kitchen table e. On table: — 3 bottles with candles stuck in neck lighted. Ink, pens, yellow manilla paper size of foolscap, maps, plans of fortification, etc. Kitchen chair L. of table. Kitchen table i. o. fastened to floor. On table: 2 bottles with candles stuck in them, lighted, pens, ink, manilla yellow paper, size of foolscap. Pitcher and glass of water. Kitchen chair b. of table. Wljiskej_barrelj^) l., with candle^Jighted, in bottle. Lots ~oi scraps of shells and iron up B. Lot of small soap boxes, lots of large packing cases, lot of bales of goods. Candles in blocks of wood, lighted. On walls : — ^Lanterns, lighted (old-fashioned) . Draw- ings of guns, fortifications. Military maps, etc. SIDE PROPS For Massen: — Dispatch. For Beene: — Sketch pad, pencil, cards, bandage for head (dirty). Mud and yellowish red dirt, some carmine. For Woodford: — Dispatch. For Brant: — ^Large army revolver. For Eunice: — ^Large handkerchief. For Gen. Stamburg: — Sure fire army revolver. 2 sets horses hoof effects off e. v. e. (Hard clay road, then corduroy road and brick pave- ment: these effects very important.) Shell effect off B. v. e. first distant boom, then screech of shell, then explosion of shell. S HELD BY THE ENEMY ~ Distant cannonading effect off b. tr. e. Distant muskfetry effect. Flashes of shells in distance showing red across c. opening. At least 2 effects of shell exploding against scene and tearing out large pieces of it with a ripping, rending sound — one up l. of c. opening early in act, made so that a lot of the street backing will show afterward. Something to take the place of red fire for 2 or 3 explosions at the back. Off E 1. E. : — Battery, not too loud or too near to fire at one — ^to break down F. P. after F. P. is down, show real fire, and sparks through open- ing, also smoke. At same time ceiling to break away with beams, plaster, etc., falling through fire, sparks, and smoke through opening in ceiling. ACT IV Interior: — (Of church) used as military hospital. Tesselated or stone floor-cloth. Lot of hospital cots and bedding, table and medicine bottles, to be shown in this scene. SIDE PEOPS For Fielding: — Dark green or blue pad of paper, pencil, large army revolver in holster, loud click when hammer is cocked. For Brant: — Sling and bandages. For Beene: — Official pass on yellow paper, sketch pad. For Orderly: — Official pass on yellow paper. For Hospital Nurse : — Towel, bandages, clean linen, sponge. For Corporal : — Off l. 1 b. Stretcher, with legs, grey blanket big enough to cover stretcher. Grey blanket big enough to cover man on stretcher, pillow. HELD BY THE ENEMY 9 ACT V Set same as Act I. Afternoon. One month later. Fireplace filled with flowers and vines arranged to climb over mantel, etc. Large vase of flow- ers up c. Vases of flowers on mantel, piano, book shelves, etc. Chair each side of table r. c. Arm chair down l. c. Sofa in hallway, so it can be seen from every part of the house. SIDE PEOPS For Eufus: — Tray covered with napkin. On tray decanter of port wine, 2 wine glasses, plate of delicately cut sandwiches. Telegram in en- velope (old style). For Susan: — 50 to 60 letters in envelopes, all dif- ferent colors, sizes, all stamped, postmarked and sealed and opened again. One written to be read. In pink envelope. Ambulance efEect off L. u. E. ; just rumbling of wheels, no bell. HELD BY THE ENEMY ACT I SCENE. — Drawing-room at the McCkeebt's. Hand- some, rich interior — Southern style. Antique in general appearance. It is evening. Down on the n. is a la/rge fireplace with fire burning. The position of fireplace and fire is such that a dull red glow is thrown across the stage. The mantel over fireplace is large. Upon it are rich ornaments. Large old painting — rather indistinct — hangs above mantel. Large photograph of Eunice on mantel. Up e. toward E. c. {in Alcove — or on oblique) are wide, double French windows. Hangings or curtains to win- dows fastened bach at sides. Windows practical — to open and shut — and to loch with bolt or hooh. Windows open on broad Veranda. Balus- trade and Columns bached with vines and foliage trained about. Baching all is a garden drop — Southern shrubbery — Southern suburban houses in distance.-\It is moonlight outside of window I during the act. At cue there is a flash of light — I bringing out for an instant the foliage effects. Up Ij. G.is a wide opening or archway. Hangings or portieres — running on pole with rings^-used (f 'U HELD BY THE ENEMY 11 io open or close it The Portieres are pushed aside at opening, leaving doorways open and showing behind an old, handsome hallway and staircase — the stairs ascending toward the back and after a little turning at landing to the left. Handsome old oak or mahogany balustrade and woodwork . Stairs firm and practical. A door up L. c. above the wide doorway, and near foot of stairway, opening off and backed by a library interior. Handsome paintings and books seen dimly. A pretty hanging lamp, which is lighted, illumi- nates the hallway up L, o. It is shaded in color, so that the light from it is subdued. At left — near l. 2 — a wide door opening off — (not double doors). Interior backing similar to the interior back of door L. c. Dim light off l. Rich furniture — Southern tone so far as possible. Antique pieces. Matting on floor with large and small rugs and skins. Hassocks, etc., ad. lib. Piano E. below window E. c. or in alcove but not obscuring windows. Table or ornamental stand up c. Vases with flowers. Books, etc. Large Zig^ifi. c. and exits through the door near foot of stairway. Fielding watches Eufus off, and then turns away muttering savagely, as he moves restlessly k. and about. After a pause Sarah McCeeeet, a gray-haired lady of about sixty, slim and pale, of great dignity and deter- mination, enters at the door up L. c. near stair- way. Fielding is turned b. amd does not hear her enter. She stops L. c. and looks across at him an instant before speaking.) Saeah. {low voice — hut distinct and sharp) You wish to see me, sir ? Fielding, {wheeling round) That's just what I do! (speaks excitedly) — I came here to speak to your niece — just a few words — and she sends down word that she won't see me! She has no right to dismiss me like this — I won't submit to it ! Tell her she must hear what I have to say — ^that's what I want of you ! Saeah. (quietly) You quite mistake my position in this house. I'm not a servant. Fielding. I haven't said you were, have I? Saeah. You certainly behaved as if I were. And you may as well understand once for all that I re- fuse to be ordered about by you — or any others of the horde of Yankees that has taken possession of this place. Fielding, (sobered) I'm not ordering you about ! I only want a message given to Miss Eunice — and I thought you might see that she gets it. Saeah. My niece has received your message. It was taken to her by one of the few servants we have left. And her reply was returned to you in the same manner. As I can do nothing more, there's no need of prolonging this interview, (she turns to go up L. 0.) HELD BY THE ENEMY 15 Fielding. But that's impossible ! What can I — Miss MeCreery (Sarah stops and turns to him) — ^you ought to help me with this! (Sakah starts as if to speak indignantly, but Fielding prevents her by going on louder and in a domineering manner.) Now wait — can't you listen to reason! I'm not one of the Yankee horde you object to — ^the fighting men — killing and wounding your friends and people and devastating their country ! Fm a Brigade Surgeon — in command of a Hospital Division, and I can be of the greatest assistance if you'll only Saeah. We need no assistance, sir! Fielding. Of course you need assistance ! Three helpless women alone — ^men driven back with their regiments — ^your house liable to pillage — ^yourselves to insult ! With a Sentet. {outside up b. in distance.) Halt! Who goes there ! Fielding. Oh — ^they've given you a special guard as far as that goes — but I can do more — I'm on the General's stafE' — I'm in command of the hospital corps; — I sit as Judge Advocate on Courts-Martial — Just treat me as a friend, that's all I ask ! And tell your niece I deserve some consideration — the same — as any gentleman would get! What have I done? {becoming excited again.) All I ask is to see her — and she sends down word she must be excused! {tremulously angry again) Excused! {turns E. and moves about.) Saeah. Surgeon Fielding, why do you insist on forcing your attentions on my niece, when you've al- ready received an explicit answer. Fielding. Do you mean that I Saeah. I mean precisely that ! You've been re- quested over and over again not to come here. Aside from other considerations, your proposals are out of the question, as my niece is already engaged to be married. Fielding. Oh, I know all about that young 16 HELD BY THE ENEMY Colonel of the 96th Michigaii ! He's been very busy about here since we occupiedT;he town ! Sabah. You're insulting, sir! Fielding. I know about him. — But I didn't know it had gone quite as far as that ! Sahah. {calling off to 'L.) Eufusl Fielding. But there may be a way out of it yet! Many things happen in a game like this! (Saeah rings hell.) And I know how to watch my chance — yes, an' take it when it comes ! {Enter Edeus at door l.) Sarah. Good evening, sir! Fielding. An' I can tell you this, old lady — he won't have it all his own way ! Saeah. {a step toward Fielding) {low voice — tremulously) Leave my house! {'pointing to door L, — Iceeping words and action well down) (Fielding looTcs at Sarah an instant.) Fielding, {slight low) Just as you please! {he walhs across and exits at door l. without turning hack) (EuFus follows Fielding off at door l. — There is a slight pause, and the sound of front door closing outside L. is heard. Eufus soon re-enters at door L.) Eufus. (l.) Ah shorely b'lieve dat man has bin bavin' liquor, Missy Sally. Saeah. Outrageous ! {she stands an instant, goes to mantel, gets work-iashet, brings it to table and then seats herself E. of table b. c. and begins to knit) Eufus. Was dere anyfin' else ? Saeah. Where are my nieces ? Eufus. Bey's hup sta'rs in Missy Eunice's room. Would you wish to have 'em come down yer ? HELD BY THE ENEMY 17 Sabah. I'd like to see Miss Susan. EuFus. Yas'm. (He turns and goes up L. o. toward stairway.) Saeah. Oh — ^Eufus. EuFus. (stops and turns to her.) Yas'm. Sarah, (lower voice) You needn't say anything to Miss Eunice. I — I want to see Miss Susan alone. EuFUS. (only half audible.) Yas'm. (he turns and exits up L. c. and up the stairway to l.) (Sarah takes work from table or basket — her hands trembling a little) Sentry, (outside up e. — in distance) Halt ! Who goes there ! (Sarah half turns up r. with expression of annoy- ance — but soon turns to work again.) (Enter Susan McCeeeey running lightly down the stairwajMrom up l. and on at door or archway up L. c.) Susan. Oh, Aunt Sal! (as she comes in) Did you want something really — or did you just want to see me! Sarah. Surgeon Fielding has been here. Susan. What for? (coming to Sarah near c.) Sarah. To see Eunice. Susan, Why, Ah thought it was all settled! Sarah. The fellow was crazy with liquor I Susan. Mercy, Auntie ! What did you ^o ? Saeah. I told him what I thought of him ! He may remember it — and he may not ? Susan (looking at Sarah confidentially, kneels in chair L. of table R. c.) Ah reckon he won't forget, Auntie — if you did your best ! Sarah. I'm glad Eunice refused to see him ! Susan. Why, she abominates 'im ! 18 HELD BY THE ENEMY ' ; Saeah. These Yankees 1 , Susan. Aren't they ! Sarah. Ugh I ', Susan. But Ah must say we had about as much trouble with the 36th Alabama men when they were round yere ! Sarah. Well — so long as Eunice — so long as What is she doing now ? Susan. Writin' a letter. Sarah. A letter! Susan (assent) Urn hm I Sarah. Who to? Susan. You mean — ^the letter she's writin' ? Sarah. Of course ! Susan, (suddenly jumping up) Oh, Auntie — ^the fire's going out ! ( Goes over to fire. Seizes poher — poJces vigorously. Loolcs round at Sarah cautiously. Sees that she is looJcing — pokes again. Stands up by fireplace.) Don't you want to come upstairs? It's a heap more cheerfuler than it is down yere ! Sarah, (quietly) Sit down. Susan. Why, of co'se. (she returns meelely to the chair li. of table and sits) Sarah. Who is Eunice writing to ? Susan. She had a letter she wanted to send to papa. Sarah. What of that— she can't send it. Susan. Well — she's juss writin' a note to Colonel Bj-ant to ask if he could get it passed through the lines — ^that's all. Sarah. Do you mean she's going to ask a favor like that of a Yankee Colonel ? Susan. Well, it's pretty much boun' to be a Yankee of some kind — if she wants to get it passed ! Sarah. I don't wish to be placed under obliga- tions to any of these wretches! Susan. Ah don't think Colonel Brant's much of a wretch — ^if that's what you mean? He's been mighty kind to us since we've been left yere by our- selves I w HELD BY THE ENEMY 19 Saeah. ^ Is it any kindness to treat us decently — and keep the mob that came with him from insulting us? Susan. It's a heap kinder'n if he didn't. An' besides, he's done a whole lot more. He's had a Special Guard put all roun' the house — an' he comes in nearly ev'ry day to see if there's anything we want — an' he sends flowers — an' Saeah. Why do you suppose he does all this? Susan. Ah reckon it's because he takes such an int'rest in us. Sahah. He takes an interest in only one of us! Had you thought of that ? Susan. Yes — Ah had! But that's the way it's been with a whole lot of 'em — an' there wasn't any harm! Saeah. There may be harm in this case! It's the first time I ever had a fear that she might — (turns to Susan suddenly) Has she — {rises and stands an instant loohing at Susan) — has she said anything? (Susan looks up at her. Saeah moves up a little to looTc of up l. c. cautiously. Returns, speaks in a lower voice) If you knew the danger you'd tell me ! Susan. Goodness me! (rising) Is there any danger of anything ? Saeah. You know enough to see that attentions from others are impossible ! Her engagement to the nephew of General Hayne came about through pecu- liar circumstances, and nothing must interfere with it. Susan. Well, Ah think if s a downright shame — when she doesn't care the least bit about him ! Saeah. You'll know more about it when you're older. Susan. Mercy me ! Everythin's goin' to be when Ah get older! Ah do wish to goodness something would happen right now ! Saeah. Colonel Brant has shown us some cour- 20 HELD BY THE ENEMY tesy, I admit — but he must be informed of the cit-' cumstances. Susan. Well, Ah think this iixin' up marriages to satisfy families is out an' out dreadful I {goes up c. a little. Boor hell rings outside l. in, distant part of house.) Sabah. You know nothing about it ! Susan, (rising) Ah know all Ah want to ! — an' Ah'U tell you this much right now — Ah'm not going to marry anybody on somebody else's account! If Ah ever do marry — ^which Ah won't — it'll be on my own account, and if anybody interferes — ^well, they'll get into a heap of trouble — ^that's all. (Enter Eufus l. d. with card and letter on salver. He crosses to Saeah and gives her the card — then stands back a little.) Saeah. (e. c, reading card) "Mr. Thomas Henry Beene." Susan, (under her breath) Beene I Saeah. I — I don't think we know anyone of that name. Here's a letter (takes up letter) See what it is. (Susan comes down c. Saeah hands letter to BuFUS, who passes it to Susan, and then retires up and L. 0. a little, waiting.) Susan (opens letter, reads) : "Dear Sir" — (stops in astonishment). Saeah. Sir ! Susan. Ah reckon the man's in the wrong house. (Emphasize "Ah.") Saeah. Well, go on — read it. Susan (reads) : "Dear Sir — Our lightest machine weighs about forty pounds " (Enter Tom Beene at door l . hurriedly. He has sketching pad — lag of materials, etc. — Susan involuntarily takes a step or two back and to right a little.) HELD BY THE ENEMY 21 Bbene (hurrying across toward the ladi$s) I beg your pardon but I guess I sent in the wrong letter I (glancing at the letter in Susan's hand.) Yes, I did — by Jingo ! But the card was all right ! Sarah ancf Susan, (absently) Oh! Susan. The card Beene (crosses to Sarah) Yes — Beene, wasn't it? (Susan involuntarily looks at card in Sarah's hand as Beene does.) That's it — ^here's the other letter! The one I sent in was about a photographing ma- chine. — ^You see, I've struck on a great idea — and that is to have a machine here on the spot. Sarah. What — in this house ! Beene. Well — later, if you'll allow me — but just just now I'd like to make a few rough sketches — a sort of memorandum of the general lay of Sarah (tremulously, with flashing eyes) Listen to me, Mr. (hesitates. Glances at the card in her hand) Mr. Beene ! We are three defenseless women ^in this house — but while we have life we will protect our rights and our property. Don't you dare to bring any of your machines across our Beene (recovering from first surprise) Oh — ^yes — but. wait! You don't imderstand! — I'm special for " jeslie'^ want to get a few old Southern houses — ^go well just now — ^great run on Southern houses! — Yours here is just what I want ! Now if you wouldn't mind Sarah (r. to Susan) Has this man the audacity to walk in here and tell us to our faces that this house is just what he wants ! Susan (r. c, who is standing near Sarah and a little above, comes down between Beene and Sarah) Ah don't really reckon he wants the house. Aunt Sal — but only just to make a picture of it for some paper — ^up North. Beene (c.) That's the idea— just a few sketches — won't take a moment. Sorry to rush in looking like this— but I don't carry my Sunday clothes— needn't 22 HELD BY THE ENEMY disturb yourselves — ^you won't be in the way at all I — P'raps you might like to have a picture of the old place before it comes down, {getting sJcetch-hooh ready.) Sarah (b.) Comes down! Susan (e. o.) Comes down 1 1 (EuFUS starts and looks anxious.) EuFUS (l. c.) Come down 1 ! ! Beene. Oh, no — ^that wasn't my meaning at all I — It isn't going to drop down itself, you know — but if the Johnnies — ^that is — ^your friends, the Confed- erates — should bombard the town Sahah and Susan. Bombard — bombard the town ! (nearly together.) (Beene is opening sTcetch-booTc and beginning to make mems.) EuFUS. Bombard the town ! Beene. That's right — and in case they did, you know — a stray shell — (Saeah and Susan look at him in alarm) You know there is such a thing — as a — as a stray shell — Oh, yes ! — (sketching) Very, very stray Saeah. Is there any probability, sir, that the Southern army, will bombard the place? Beene. Extremely likely. Madam. I've got a view of it ready to send through by special messenger the moment they begin! (quickly turning leaves of sketch-look and holding it open) Here it is — See! And there's a shell exploding just about — over this house! (holding the hook open for them to see). Saeah and Susan. TJghl Oh! (with starts) (EuFus drops the salver upon the floor and stands blinking) Beene. Exactly so. Now, if you'll allow me to make a sketch or two — (opens sketch-book quickly) Saeah (with great firmness) Nothing of the kind, sir ! I can't permit such a thing ! Susan (shaking her head) Oh, no — ^we couldn't think of it ! HELD BY THE ENEMY 23 ErFUS. No, STih! We couldn't think of such a thing. y';^ Saeah. a picture of this house in Northern / j papers ! ^ Beene. {rapidly sketching.) Yes — um — you wouldn't like it — of course — I thought not ! — Though you — (6ms.) you'd never — e — see the papers, you know. — (btis.) Still, as — as you were saying Sabah. Eufus ! Beekb. (sketching) — ^B — as you were saying Sabah. Conduct Mr. Beene to the door ! Beene. No — ^that wasn't what you were saying at all. Now, before you Eufus, Dis way, sah, uf you please. Beene. (rapidly sketching all the while) But before you absolutely and irrerocably Sahah. Allow me to wish you good evening! (moves away to r.) Beene. Good evening, (sketching — final effort) I hope you'll pardon my intrusion — (sketching — Backs to left as if for better view) (backs against Eueus) Out of the way, please. (Eufus astonished — ruffled) — ^the — &— mistake about the letter — (others not look- ing at him) The one — ^I — e — ^meant to send in — ^was — e — ^note from Colonel Brant. (Saeah and Susan turn in surprise) (Beene goes on, riot noticing) You see — ^he — e — ^thought — ^you might oblige me — ^but of course — e — Miss, would you kindly raise your chin. — (Susan gives a supercilious toss of head, turning awa/y) Thanks. Saeah. If Colonel Brant sent you here it's a dif- ferent matter. , Susan. Yes — a diffrent mattah ! Eufus. "Yas, a diffrent mattah." Saeah. Eufus — ^you may go. (Exit EuFUS at door up L. c.) Beene. Then you don't mind if I — ^make — a / Sabah. I am given to understand that Colonel Brant has been exceedingly kind to us. We have 24 HELD BY THE ENEMY neither been killed nor insulted, and this places us under such marked obligation that I welcome the opportunity of making some return. Beene. Charming of you ! Sarah. But as it's the hotise you want to draw, I presume you will excuse me. {crossing to left and up wUh great dignity) Beene. Certainly. Sahah. (turning to Beene and speaking with sa/rcasm) Unless you propose to go so far as to put me into your illustration 1 Beene. (turning pad carelessly) Thanks — I've got you. (Su^an goes down near Beene, standing on tip-toe trying to catch a glimpse of sketch.) Sakah. Ugh! (turning to go) This is true Yankee impertinence ! (turns at door, seeing Susan) Susan, come away instantly! (Susan goes up to (S'aeah quickly) I don't wish to have you illus- trated 1 Beene, That's all right — I've got her, too. Sakah. Did you ever hear of such — such Susan. Well, upon my word ! ( Saeah and Susan exit together up l. c, — Susan looks back as she goes. Beene is sketching) Beene (low tone — talking to himself) Got the old darkey too— that is, got his back — ^they're all alike in front, (puts finishing touches to sketch and turns it hack) Wonder where the other girl is. (looks about) TwQ, I understand, (goes over to mantel — seeing photo there) Must be the one — put her in anyhow. If I'm wrong I'll take her out again — ^Wonderful thing these three women sticking by their home, with the men all driver Jack by our army — darned if it isn't plucky. I'll give 'em a full page, if I can. (sketches a moment from photo) Let's see — (backs away to L. measuring with eye) — ^put 'em in this room — (enter Susan at door up L. c. She goes quietly to a. and leans on back of chair) Beene Ivning with pencil) Old fireplace — Painting on the chimney — (looks closely) Can't make HELD BY THE ENEMY 25 out what it is — ^must be an impressionist; makes no impression — ^put in 6. W. instead, (sketches) Side Memorandum of that moulding — draw it in after- wards — ^low window — ^girl on back of chair — (Susan starts up surprised, and moves hack a step.) Beene (Ms hack still turned to her) Back of chair without girl — (going right on as if naming other articles) Mirror — piano— curtains — window — Won- der what's outside. Susan. Veranda. Bbenb. (without looking up or changing voice) What's back of that? Susan. Trellis. Beene. Vines on it? Susan. Yes. Beene. Shrubbery outside? Susan. Ah won't tell. Beene. Thanks. (Susan leaves chair and comes down E. a little from one piece of furniture to an- other.) (Beene works in silence. Pause.) Susan. You're a Yankee, Ah reckon. Beene. Eeckon I am. ? Susan. Well, Ah hate you! Beene. Good thing. Susan. You're very impudent. Beene. So are you. Susan. Ah don't want to talk to you any mo'. Beene. I don't want to have you. Susan. Nn! (sneer — toss of head) Beene. Hn! (Susan sits on arm of chair l. of table and vigorously rocks hack and forth.) Beene. I knew a fellow, whose Grandmother broke her nose doing that. (Susan 6ms. of rnarching straight to Beene — He looks at her, she at him.^ She turns away humming a tune. He also hums briefly.) Susan. Is your name really Bean? / / 26 HELD BY THE ENEMY Beene. {sketching) No — ^Tommy Beene. Susan. How long since you left Boston ! Beene {sketching) I don't spell it that way. {pause) Susan. Ah'd go away, only Auntie told me to stay ! Beene {sketching through the scene) How did she know I was lonely ? Susan. Hn ! That wasn't the reason. Beene. No ? Susan. No ! She told me to — watch you. Beene. 'Fraid I'd steal something? Susan. Well she didn't know. Beene. Best to be on the safe side. Susan, {looks up in astonishment. Pause.) That's just what she said. How did you know ? Beene. It seemed to occur to me. (Beene to chair b. c. — Sits on arm of it — sketches to left. Beene to c. of piano up b. o.) (Susan goes up to window, soon slides into seat at piano. Pushes down bw one or two keys.) Beene. You play, don't you? Susan, {turning to Beene) You're a "Special Artist" — aren't you? Beene. Supposed to be. Susan. What does he have to do ? Beene. Send illustrations to his paper. Susan. What kind of illustrations ? Beene. Any kind they'll take — Marches — charges — ^battles — ^battle-fields'^— Susan. Do you make pictures of battles ? Beene. Try to. Susan. You — ^yourself ? Beene. I — ^myself. Susan. Ah think Ah see you doing it ! Ha, ha, ha! — {laughs) Beene. It seems to look funny to you. Susan. Do you know how you do it ? Beene. Haven't the ghost of an idea ! — ^You tell HELD BY THE ENEMY 27 me. (stops shetching and sits on chain. Listens atten- tively.) Susan. When they begin to fight, you begin to run ! When you're about a mile away you — ^you look behind you 1 At two miles you stop, an' if there isn't too much noisp you hide away in some safe place an' the next day you send a picture of the battle — by our special artist — taken on the spot! {crosses Bbenb to L.) Beene. What surprises me most is that I sit calmly by and hear myself so abused. Susan, {turning at l. c.) Ah should think so! Any man of spirit — Beene. What would any man of spirit do- — ^tell me, that I may make a temporary effort to be that kind of a person. Susan, {emphatically) He'd deny it! Beene. {quiet — matter of fact) I deny it. Susan. An' get excited! Beene. {placidly) I'm excited. Susan. And swear ! Beene. I swear — damn! Susan. An' then he'd get very indignant — an' leave the house! Beene. I get very indignant and leave the house. {moment's pause. Then Beene rises and starts toward L. D. — crossing '^vsA.'s) Susan. Oh — ^hem — I — (Beene stops and turns to her) I don't know as — as he'd actually — leave! Beene. In this case he actually would — ^because he doesn't want to make himself a nuisance any longer than necessary. Good-bye. {going) Susan. Oh — {shaking head innocently) You aren't exactly a nuisance — Beene. {stopping) Thanks awfully — ^But watch- ing a suspicious character must be very tiresome. Susan. Oh — {moving toward him) — it isn't bo awfully much work ! {Looking in his face innocently) D'you know, it's mah opinion you might be honest after all I 28 HELD BY THE ENEMY Beene. (going to Susan and taking her "hand) This tribute to my character from a bitter foe is deeply appreciated. (Raises her hand to his lips. Susan looks at him oddly — a little confused) (Enter Saeah at door up l. o. She stops on seeing Beene and Susan. Susan does not see Sabah come in.) Susan, (drawing away hand) Oh — it's nothing! — Ah'd do it for anyone ! (stands a little away look- ing at him) Beene. Madame — glad you came, (goes to door L.) (Susan goes to fireplace R.) Sarah. I think it's just as well I did ! (looks at Susan, then at Beene) Beene. (at l. d.) Yes — it is — if you wanted to see me again. Finished my sketches — ^want to ex- press my thanks for your kindness — ^hope I can re- turn it at no distant day ! Sarah. There is nothing that we desire returned. Good evening. Beene. (uncertain accent) Good evening, (looks at Sarah doubtfully) Susan, (from r. — Bather pleasantly) Good even- ing! Beene. (eagerly — Smiling at Susan) Good even- ing! Sarah, Sir ! (Exit Beene suddenly at f "— ' saying good evening) (Sarah looks sternly after Beene a moment — then turns to Susan) Susan — as I came downstairs that fellow was holding your hand! Susan. It was funny, wasn't it? (approaching Sarah o.) Sarah, (sternly) What was the meaning of it? Susan. Dear me — Ah don't know ! Ah just told him it was my opinion he might be honest, an' he said he was much obliged for the testimonial to his character. All Ah can think of ! HELD BY THE ENEMY 29 Sarah. Well there wasn't any need of telling him Buch a thing. In the future, Susan — (Enter Eufus door up L. 0. excitedly. He carries a crumpled piece of writing paper in his hand) Eufus. Missy Sally — Miss Sally! (down quickly) (Sarah and Susan turn to Eufus) Saeah. What is it? What is it? Eufus. Ole George — ^you know ole George as was wid us? Saeah. Yes — ^yes ! Eufus. He juss bro't dis — (holding out paper in tremiling hand) — an' he said — he said Massa Goi*- don gin it to 'im ! (Saeah and Susan surprised) Saeah. Gordon! (tahes the paper) Has old George been down the river — ^with our army? Eufus. No mum — (looks around cautiously)^— he ain't been dar at all! He — he — done seen 'im yere! Saeah. (handing Susan paper) See what it is — quick ! Susan, (takes paper. Beads) "Coming to-night — put out the lights — leave the windows unfastened. I may be in danger." (Slight pause. Susan goes quickly to windows up E. c. and unfastens them. Saeah goes to man- tel and blows out candles. Stage half dark — Eufus goes up l. and looks off cautiously, then waits there. Susan turns down lamp up center. , f Make turning down of light very noticeable. \^ Pause.) J Sentet. (outside up e. In distance. Deep tone) Halt ! Who goes there ! Susan, (under her breath. Sudden thought) Auntie! (Saeah turns quickly to Susan) The Spe- cial Guard 1 — ^He doesn't know ! — They'll fire at him I Saeah. (low voice) What can we do? What can we do? 30 HELD BY THE ENEMY EuFUS. (low voice — Steady) Missy Sally! Sabah. What? What? What? EuFus. Ole George is har yet — Mebbe he could git word to Massa Gordon about dose Sentrymen. Sarah. Yes, yes ! {going toward door up l.) I'll see him! EuFus. (low voice) He's right out yer by de quartahs! (he starts up l. c.) Saeah (turning lack to S;q;sAN) Go an' open the the front door — he might coiiie that way! (while Susan is out, Sakah goes bach to up k. c. and sees that windows are unfastened. Exit StiBANL. ^ She re-enters immediately) SusAN". I left it open, Auntie ! Sahah ( going l.) Now we'll see old George ! (Saeah hurries of at door up l. c. followed by Susan) Susan, (as they go) But if he should come be- fore — before Saeah. Sh! — Not so loud! (turning to Susan as they exit) — Eun up an' tell Eunice! (Saeah exits up L. to L.) (Susan exits up the stairway. Enter Colonel Hae- VET Beant to door l. He pauses as he comes in — and loohs about the room.) Beant. (stopping jv^t within the door, surprised at seeing no one. Very subdued exclamation) Oh! (He moves up l. c. a little and glances off and up stairway) Is anyone at home? (he waits a moment, then turns bach into the room. Tosses his cap on a chair or ottoman at L. and moves down and across toward mantel at e. Stands for a moment warming his hands at the fire. Glancing up, he sees the framed photograph of Eunice on the mantel, and takes it in his hands. Stands looking at it. After a short time Eunice McCeeeet enters coming down the stairs outsid« up h, c, the same piece of crumpled paper in HELD BY THE ENEMY 31 Tier hand that was brought hy Etjfus. She pauses to looh at the paper by the light of the hanging lamp in hallway up l. o. for an instant, then enters hur- riedly up L. c. and crosses at once to windows up K. c. to make sure that they are unfastened. Then she turns and comes down c. a little slowly — trying to think if there is anything else to be done. As she comes down c. Brant hears her and turns at e.) (Eunice — catching sight of Bkant — stops suddenly with a very slight start, and a whispered "Oh!" and for an instant she covers her face with her hands.) Brant, (going quickly to her) I frightened you ! (he gets her hand and holds it tenderly) I'm so sorry ! (Eunice shakes her head a little and turns away L. in a painful effort to control herself) You said I might come — and the door was open — (he presses her hand against his lips) Eunice, (turning quickly to him as he kisses her hand) Oh, no ! (drawing her hand away and shrink- ing from him a little. Beant stands motionless look- ing at her. Eunice looking at him. Suddenly — after above bus.) Oh! (a quick glance about) How dark it is! (she turns and hastens up c. toward the table where the large lamp is) I'll turn up the — (she suddenly stops absolutely still as she remem.- Beant (starting up c.) Let me do it for. you! Eunice, (with a sudden quick turn and motion- ing him off) Oh, no ! Oh, no ! (she stands almost as if protecting the lamp) (Brant motionless look- ing at her) (they stand a second or two regarding one another) Brant, (a quick glance about first) What is it? Eunice. Why I — I don't know what you mean? Brant, (comes very close to her — getting her hand — Low voice) I mean I love you — ^And if there's anything — any trouble — I must know it. 32 HELD BY THE ENEMY Eunice. There isn't — (slight gasp) — and you — you mustn't say — ^you love me! (Withdraws her hand and moves down a little) Brant. What harm can it do? Though you care nothing for me? — ^what harm? (gets her hand again during this speech) It's the only thing I can say — I've forgotten everything else — there isn't any- thing else ! Eunice, (low voice — earnestly) Colonel Brant — (trying to disengage her hand) You must let me — ■ Bhant. No, no ! (gently insisting on keeping her hand) Let me keep it while you tell me it's im- possible — ^You're going to say it again — I know ! Eunice. It is impossible — (looks in his face an instant) Oh it is/ Brant. It can't be! — There's only you in the world! (he draws her into his arms) — What are the hatreds of others to us? — If you could only love me nothing would matter ! Love has no North or South ' — or East or West? (he has her in his arms) Listen, darling — ^this frightful struggle will be over — soon — soon! — Everything will be forgiven and forgotten — everything but the glorious bravery on both sides! Ah — don't let a momentary passion wreck our lives — Ah — my darling — ^my darling! Eunice, (suddenly routing and freeing herself) Sh! — stop! — Colonel Brant— you must listen! — (they stand a little apart) It isn't that! — It isn't! — > I ought to have told you yesterday (Brant moves toward her.) Beant. (moving toward her) Why it's nothing if you Eunice, (interrupting) No, no! — ^please! (he stops) I'm not free ! — That's it— I'm not ! I'm not ! — ^now you know ! (Brief pause. Brant loohing intently at her,) Brant. You — mean HELD BY THE ENEMY 83 Eunice, (nods) Yes. {pause) Now you see it's impossible ! (Bbant — after an instant goes nearer to Eunice and looles searchingly in her face.) Beant. It isn't impossible ! Eunice. It is ! It is ! Bhant. You don't love him ! Eunice. Please go ! Brant. You're pretending — I can see it! — It's some silly promise* or family arrangement! Such a thing is a crime ! — ^to throw a life away — both of our lives — ^for a whim — for somebody else's whim? — I'll not give you up to such a thing — {approaching her) Eunice, {standing away from him and speaking with quiet but forced earnestness) You're mistaken! I — I— do — I — love him ! {They stand for a mom,ent motionless. Soon Bbant turns and goes slowly down right and stops near mantel — not looking round. — After a slight pause there he turns to go across to the door L. and finds Eunice before him. — Eunice moves quickly down toward Bkant e. as he stops near mantel.) Eunice, {as Bbant faces her. Low voice but with all her feeling) It isn't so — it isn't so — {breathless) I told you a lie ! Bbant. Ah! {catching her in his a/rms) I knew it ! You do love me ! Eunice, {in his a/rms for an instant) Yes — ^yes — ^yes ! — But there's no hope ! I must never see you again ! Bbant. Oh, no ! Eunice. Yes! There's no release! I couldn't ever ask! — Why even now he may be — {suddenly re- members and starts away from him with a cry) Oh I 34 HELD BY THE ENEMY (stands an instant. Beant watches her earnestly) (Eunice after an instant's pause, turns distractedly and hurries to the window up K. o. and with a single quick motion hoohs or holts it, and turns lack instantly to Beant as if to hide what she had done.) Beant. What's the matter? {he moves up toward her) For heaven's- sake„tell^ me! You're in some trouble ! ExTNiOE. {coming towards up ci) Trouble? {shakes her head and tries to smile) Oh, no ! Beant. What were you doing at that window ? Eunice. I — I Beant. You locked it! (Eunice unable to speak) If only because I love you let me help you ! Sentet. {outside up e. — Distant) Halt! Who goes there ! (Beant turns quickly front on Sentet's call — listening. — Eunice gives a quick glance one side as if afraid to turn around — instantly standing before, eyes on Beant — and on fire with anxiety. Short pause on this.) {A loud knock outside l. as if front door of house were struck with the butt of a musket. — Beant turns L. astonished. — Enter Saeah up UJi,) Saeah. Is Colonel Brant here? Beant. {turning toward Saeah) I'm here, madam. Saeah. Some of your ruffians demanded admit- tance to this house and I refused them. Now they're trying to batter down the door ! {Loud pounding upon door outside L. again heard, with sound of door splitting.) Beant. There must be some mistake! I'll see HELD BY THE ENEMY SB what it means, (he crosses quichly L. and hurries off Eunice, {running to Saeah up c.) Aunt Sally! Do yoTi think Sarah. Sh! — {quieting Eunice) They've sur- rounded the house ! {Enter Eueus up l, c.) EuFUS. {very excited, tremulous) Missy Sally — Missy Eunice — (Saeah and Eunice turn quichly) Dere's two sojers standin' bef o' de kitchen do' ! Sahah. What are they doing? Bupus, Dey was ordered to stan' dere by some officer ! Sahah. Go and ask them what they want I EuFus. Yes'm ! {Exit up l. quichly) (GoEDON Hatne appears at window up K. o. and f^ tries to open it. Rattling on window for a \ , moment. He disappears again in the darhuess. ^ On rattling of window Eunice and Sarah turn quichly.) Sarah, {suddenly) Eunice! The window! Is it loched? Eunice. Oh ! {running to window upu.) I had to ! — Colonel Brant was here ! {dashes open window and loohs off. Turns hach instantly) He couldn't get in ! It was Gordon — and he couldn't get in ! {A hnoch at L. D. sharp — quich. — Enter Colonel Brant l. — Eunice controls herself and stands motionless.) Brant, (l.) I'm very sorry, but these men are sent by the provost marshal to make an arrest, and they'll have to pass through this room to the veranda — it won't take a moment! (Eunice stands bach 36 HELD BY THE ENEMY at window — holding curtains behind her. Colonel Beant turns and speahs off l. in low voice) Cor- poral ! Saeah. Stop, sir I (Beant turns to Saeah) Your men shan't enter this room, and I request you to Jeave it. Beant. Miss McCreery — I beg you not to be alarmed ! They won't interfere with you in the least. It's only that the man's hiding in your grounds here, and they must get him from this side, (steps down below door l. and speahs off quietly) Corporal — this way ! (Enter Coepoeal Speingee and four Privates L. D.) There's the window, (pointing to up E. Coepoeal and two privates cross quickly and eMt at window up E. carrying muskets. OneJPrivate re- rnains stationed motionless l. d^ on JgMi§rd.~ Another ^i^:pstq door up t. and stands. Saeah shrinks back. — Eunice groes to her. TIti6y.jlSiad^up Jj^c Beant goes up c. to Ladies) Ihope you won't mindl I took command myself so nothing would happen to cause you the least — — Coepoeal. (outside b..) Halt! — Halt! Picket, (outside e. further away) Halt ! (Beant steps quickly to window e. u. e.) Coepoeal. (outside e. in a loud voice) He's break- ing away. Colonel — He's running! Beant. (shouting off e, u. e.) Fire on him! Eunice, (instantly on cue and starting toward Beant) Oh! No! Don't let them; it's my cousin Gordon ! (Beant signals to Coeporal not to fire and steps inside window an.d_^ stands just n. of it, i^eUjup- Eunice stops with a stifled scream and retires bach a little in terror — clinging to Saeah, who is shrinking back and frightened but erect and determined.) HELD BY THE ENEMY 37 (Sound of men hurrying quichly across veranda and GoEDON Hayne dashes on throughwindow and down G. to ward door l. 3 eT TKe'solMers sta- tioned ai dodr~dring their muskets up, ready to fire — g^ do those at the ar chwayup l._o. The Corporal and two men, 'who~~Kave followed Hayne through window, st op just insid e win- dow a nd also brin g their mv,sketsjip^ready.Y~ Beanx. (quichly) Eecover — (Men bring their musJcets to a carry.) (Gordon, who has stopped near l. c . looks around and, seeing all chance of escape gone — gives Q uick look at fireplac e, and takes a paper from his pocket. He goes quickly across and tries to throw it on the ~Jire, hui_ t£~mtercepted'^y a WANT^~Ma~cmjs&JiimMy.. downMSMK^^- j] DQN'„gre3LJM-j£a:fi?lkce. Brant seizes Gordon // and, after a short struggle, takes the paper from him and throws him roughly from him to bring information. The Enemy has been fSSforced and is making an overwhelming attack on Torrey's Bridge. Colonel Brant is badly wounded but is still in com- mand! General Stoneman doubts if he can hold out unless reinforced. Gen. Stamburg. Where's your_Bngade,_^lonel ? Col. McPheeson. Under ^oloneTWmdom^ sir — already a mile beyond the town7 -" Gen. Stambueg. Wait here for further orders. (getting field-glasses out. Points to table e.) Make a report of this, (goes up c. toward door) 60 HELD BY THE ENEMY Col. McPhekson'. Very well, sir. (goes e. and sits at table. Bus. of writing) Gek. Stambukg. (as he goes off up c. — without turning) We've got to hold that Bridge ! {Exit door up 0. and to B.) {Horse hoof effect — Going. Flash. Cannon. — Low rattle of distant musketry. Beene comes down E. c. looking at McPheeson.) Beene. (stands e. c. before McPheeson) Nar- row escape your division had coming down, Colonel ! CoL. McPheeson (writing at table — without look- ing up) How so — What do you mean? (he runs the two sentences together without a break) Beene. When the Johnnies fired on you from that old miU ! CoL. McPheeson. (looking up at Beene) What are you talking about ! Beene. Why the — old mill ye know — ^full o' Johnnies — blaze of fire — seventy killed before you Col. McPheeson. (resuming writing) Kot! Beene. What? CoL. McPheeson. (louder) Bot! (writing. Looks up at Beene) You a newspaper man? Beene. Yes, sir. CoL. McPheeson. Well, somebody's been having fun with you. (resumes writing) Beene. Confound that Cavalry chap! I'll look him up ! and if he CoL. McPheeson. (gruffly — as he writes) Whaf s the matter — don't you like a joke! (runs the two sentences without a break) Beene. I like two better I (McPheeson looks up at Beene grimly amused) And when his picture comes out in Leslie's — that'll make the other joke! Col. MoPhebson. Haw! Good idea! (resumes work) HELD BY THE ENEMY 61 Beene. As a matter of fact, Colonel— did any- thing happen on the road? LCoL. McPheeson. {not looTcing up) Bridge down at ]^omq,n Y Crefi lc — but the water wasn't up to the horses flanks. Beene. Forded the stream? Col. McPheeson. {not looTcing up) Yes! Beene. Just what I want! — Had a view of that for three weeks taken on the spot! — ^two or three horses swept down stream weren't there? Col. McPHEKseN. {without looTcing up) No. Beene. That's funny! I've got several of 'em floating down — {gesturing graphically) — Heads out of water — nostrils — {interrupted in midst of a ges- ture-~-which he holds an instant as McPHERSOisr speaTcs) Col. McPheeson. {interrupting — without looTcing up) Nothing swept down! Beene. {after a slight pause — slowly lowers arm) — Nothing — ^at all! (McPheeson shaTces Tiis head impatiently) Beene. That's all right — I'll make those horses into snags! (Beene worTeing at sTcetch-booTc an instant) Eaining at the time, wasn't it? Col. McPheeson. {glancing up at Beene). Beauti- ful day! {resumes worlc) Beene. Gee! I've got 'em crossing in a pouring rain! — Didn't it — sprinkle a little? Col. McPheeson. {writing) No! Beene. Foggy, wasn't it? CoL. McPheeson. {writing) No ! Beene. {after am, instant's thought) By Jove — ^it was raining the day before ! Col. McPheeson. What of it ! Beene. I'll send 'em a view of Hines' Cavalry crossing the Creek the day before, {crosses i.) What difference does a day or two make? {stands left) 62 HELD BY THE ENEMY (Thunder of cannon. Horse hoof effect — Coming. Bepeat horse hoof effect almost immediately. Enter Capt. Woodfoed hurriedly. Woodpoed and McPheeson salute) Col. McPheeson. Captain! Capt. Woodfoed. The General! Col. McPheeson. Left here a minute ago. What is it? Capt. Woodfoed. From Torrey's, sir. Col. Brant's badly wounded — and they can't hold the Bridge ! (Enter Capt. BEifTON at' door up c. — from n.) Capt. Benton. General's here ! (stands aside to l.) (Enter Gen. Stambueg at door up c. — from e. Gen. Maeston (if used) Enters after Gen. Stam- bueg stands L. c. JBus. of salutes. Gen. Stam- bueg strides quickly down and to table at n.) Gen. Stambueg. If the Enemy gets a crossing at Torrey's, it's a serious matter! What do you say Colonel? (without looking at Col. McPheeson for this question. Sits and writes an order) Col. McPheeson. We'd hardly be able to hold the town. Gen. Stambueg. Captain ! (Woodfoed steps down and salutes) To the Officer in command of the forts on Henry's hill. If I signal that the Bridge is taken he'll turn his guns on it and blow it to pieces without delay, (about to give order) Wait! — Can he get the position ? Capt. Woodfoed. (saluting) Too dark to see it, sir! Gen. Stambueg. Send him a chart showing its distance from signals. Capt. Benton, (salutiaig) .There's no chart of that district, sir. The engineers were driven in by the cross-fire ! HELD BY THE ENEMY 63 Gen. Stamburg. Haven't we a map — or any view of that part of the town? Capt. Benton. No, sir — ^there's nothing here ! Gen. Stambueg. There's no use in sending this order ! (throws order down on table) Capt. Benton, (seizing booh from Tom Beene, L. c.) General — ^there may be something here ! This man told me he had three views of Torrey's. {going to Gen. Stambxjeg vnth Beene's booh) Gen. Stambueg. What is it? {taking booh) Sketch-book? Gapt. Benton. Something of the kind, sir! (Gen. Stambueg looks quickly at book) Gen. Stambueg. Here! This'Il do! {folding sketch-booh with his order) Beene. {starting toward General) Excuse me, sir — ^but that • Capt. Benton, {roughly stopping Beene) Stand back ! Beene. Well, I'll be damned! Gen. Stambueg. {to Capt. Woodpoed) Take this to the ofiBcer in command at Henry's Hill! — Eide for your life! (Capt. Woodfoed salutes and Exits quickly up c. and to E. Horse hoof effect — going.) Beene. {following Capt. Woodfoed up quickly) But I say — one moment ! — Can't you let me have the rest of it! {Exits up o. and off to e. during above speech) Gen. Stambueg. Colonel! (Col. McPheeson down quickly and salutes) My compliments to Gen- .eTil'SajIi^ and he'll meet me at Torrey's with hia CBrigade without delay! (Col. McPheeson salutes and Exits quickly up c. and to E. Horse hoof effect — Going) Captain — (Capt. Benton comes down and salutes) Go to the Bridge in person — My compli- ments to Colonel Brant and he'll turn his command 64 HELD BY THE ENEMY over to Colonel Fost^and report to me herel— Have him assisted if necessary — ^he's hurt and the Surgeon can see him here! Be lively! (Capt, Ben- ton salutes and Exits up c. and to e. Horse hoof effect — Going. (If Maeston used) General — (Gen- eral Makston comes forward — saluting) To the BlufE — see that the signals are ready! I'll be there in five minutes! (writes rapidly at table e. 0.) ( General Maeston salutes and Exits quickly up 0. and to E. Horse hoof effect — Going. Flashes — cannon. Screams of shells. Enter Kurus up L. 0. from right. — He comes in rather quickly— as if frightened. — Stands a moment just within the door. Flash on him. — He takes off his hat and looks timidly about. Sees Gen. Stambueq and goes hesitatingly toward him.) EuFus. C-eould Ah speak wid you suh — on a mattah of umportan' bizz'ness? Gen. Stambueq. (not looking up) No — ^you can't see me now — some other day! EuFUS. (voice trembling) Some ovver — ^Why you's agwin' ter kill 'im termorrer! (Gen. Stambueg looks up at Kufds.) Gen. Stambueg. Kill who? EuFDS. Marser Gordon. Gen. Stambueg. What's his other name? EuFUS, It erHayne, suh! Gen. Stambueg. Oh — Hayne ! — Sentenced by Court Martial — ^Waiting for gun-shot wound to heal — ^Well, what about 'im? EuFus. Mah misstiss, suh — she — she's tryin' her bess ter save 'im! She's out somewhar now — juss tryin' her bess — but she can't do nufiBn'? Gen. Stambueg. (shortly) There's nothing to do — ^the man confessed ! HELD iBY tHE ENfiMV 6S BuTUS. Yas suh — ^Ah tole 'er sol — In co'se Ah , knows dere's on'y one way ter do it now — an uf yo' j please, Gin'l, Ah's heah ter make der arrangements, i t ^ Gen. Stambubg. What are you talking about? ( /| Nothing can be done — the Law must take its course ? i {J EuFUS, Ah knows dat, suh — ^it muss take its course — dere ain't nuffin'U stop it ! But de law aren't no respecter o' pussons — an' Ah wants ter heve de / 'rangements made so's dat Ah kin be shot unstead , o' him. (Gen. Stambueg loohs at Euftts in surprise.) Gen. Stamburg. (after slight pause) My good man, that's impossible! {resumes business with papers) EuFUS. {quickly — tremulously) N — ^now don't say dat suh — ^Ah — Ah knows Ah's putty well on in yars. (Gen. Stambubg looTcs up from his work again — his eyes on Eupus) an' it ain't no ways s'prisin' dat you should have de opinion as I ain't a fa'r bargin fur him! — But not ways standin' Ah ain't in juss de condition dat Ah once was. Ah — (ivithe^oiito_ jStoi?^ Jir«cO A.h's still quite a val'able lot, suh-^ and wouH bring a putty fa'r price at any fuss class sale. Moreober suh, de folks used to gib me a little money now an den quite a consid'able of it alto- geder. — Hit's undemeaf de furderess brick in de lefE han' co'ner o' de kitchen fi'place, an' — and if you'll tak me instead o' Marsa Gordon dat kin be f rowed in! Gen. Stambubg. (after a slight pause) By George, you're the real thing ! But it couldn't be done, (re- sumes work) I'm sorry to say it couldn't be done. EuFUS. No— no. Ah s-pose it couldn't — ^no ways ! (Gen. Stambubg shakes his head without looking up. EuFus looks blankly before him a moment. Turns and goes up to door up o. and passes out 66 HELD BY THE ENEMY into the darhness. Shell. Cannon. Battery. Boom of cannonading. Flash of light. Genbkal Stambueg sits at table and writes hurriedly. Loud report of cannonading. Horse hoof effect — Coming. Voices outside up e. of Lieut. Massen and Col. Bbant.) Lieut. Massen. {outside up l.) I'll give you a hand, Colonel! Col. Bkant. (outside up e.) What are you do- ing? I'm all right! {Enter Col. Beant up o. from E. — The left side of his nech and left shoulder tied and roughly bandaged. — ^Lieut. Massen Enters supporting him. Beant trying to walh alone. He carries revolver in his right hand. Gen. Stambueg rises as Beant enters, gathering up papers as if going. Col. Beant sees Gen. Stambueg and salutes meakly.) Gen. Stambueg. (e. o. — Returning salute) Col- onel! — Not much hurt, I hope! Col. Beant. {weakly but with force) Hardly at all, sir! — My orders are — ^to report to you here! I've reported, sir! We'll lose the Bridge unless you send the cavalry ! Gen. Stambueg. Cavalry's on the way. Colonel. {crosses toiiard o. as if going) - Col. Beant. I'm sorry — ^yon ordered me here, sir! I'm all right! — I can use the arm yet! {sup- ports himself by chair) Gen. Stambueg. (fo Massen) Lieutenant! (Mas- sen salutes and goes quickly to Gen. Stambueg) Find Surgeon Fielding! Send him in here at once! (Massen salutes and Exits at door up c. to e.) Col. Beant. I beg you General — ^not Fielding, sir ! HELD BY THE ENEMY 67 Gen. Stamburg. (to Beant) You've made a splendid fight of it. Colonel — ^I won't forget you in the report! Col. Beant. (weakly — Ireathhssly) Thank you, sir — (as if to go) — ^but I must get back to- Geht. Stambueg. Not till you've seen the Surgeon ! Col. Beant. But my boys need me ! I know them all, sir ! They'll do anything for me ! Gen. Stambueg. Don't worry about the Bridge— we'll hold it — or we'll blow it up ! (hurries off up c.) Col. Beant. (calling out as Gen. Stambueg goes) General — ^let me go back ! There's a Surgeon there! (repeats to himself) My boys need me! (flash. Thunder of cannonading) I'll jump on my horse — and — (hand to his head. Sways unsteadily. Totters toward e. c. and sinks down on chair or ioxes in a faint, his head on his arms across table E. c. — As he comes to table and is standing dizzily before sinking down, he lets his revolver fall upon the table making a heavy sound) (Flash and report of cannon. Scream of shells, etc. Sentbt comes to door amd points in.) Sentet. The Colonel's here, Miss, (resumes his beat, but keeps mainly out of view during coming scene) \^^" (Enter Eunice from between the^ortieres Aip l. from L, Her hair is disordered as if blown about by the wind — dress thin — not adapted to going about streets. A thin drapery of some kind, which was over her head is blown back. She pauses just within door as if frightened and breathless, shrinking against e. side of doorway or against boxes piled near. 2 flashes. Scream of shell. Cannon. Battery in distance. Gauge above to Eunice's entrance. Several red flashes from of up E. thrown on her. Distant thunder of cannon. Scream of shell. Explotion.) 68: HELD BY THE ENEMY Eunice, (recovering herself — turns front — glances quickly about — sees Col. Bhant and hastily moves a few steps toward him) May I speak to you ! (pause. She goes toward Bhant and sees that something is the matter) Colonel Brant! (she moves nearer and touches him on the shoulder. Starts bach with sud- den terror) Oh! He's dead! (business of hesita- tion. — She soon summons courage and moves to Beant again. Reaches out and feels of his hand) Oh, no! — He's only fainted! (turns and hurries to door up G.) Sentry ! Sentry ! The Colonel's fainted ! Call someone! — Send someone quick! (Flash. Cannon. Eunice returns quicMy to Bhant, kneeling at his side and taking his hands. Bhant begins to revive. — Opens his eyes and stares at Eunice blankly.) Col. Brant. What is the — (looks about bewil- dered) — What — (starts up) Ah, no! (attempting to get to his feet — scarcely seeing Eunice) They need me at Torrey's Bridge! They — they — (he sinks back in chair, too weak to rise) Eunice. Are you badly hurt? Oh — I'm afraid you are! Col. Bhant. No — Nothing at all! (looks in her face) I thought I'd never see you again ! Eunice. Can you forgive me ! Col. Bhant. I love you ! Eunice. When I said those dreadful things — at the Court-martial — I never thought what it meant ! Col. Beant. I knew it ! Eunice. I was trying to save him! That's all I could think of ! Col. Bhant. I knew it ! (Flash. Shell. Cannon. Eunice rises quickly and glances about.) HELD BY THE ENEMY 69 EtTNiCB. I'm trying still ! I'm trying everything. Col. Brant — but it's almost too late ! Col. Brant. Yes, yes! — To-morrow! Eunice, (nods "yes") But there's one thing yet ' — ^if you could help me ! — If you could help me I Col. Brant. I'll do anything I can ! Eunice. He's here — in this building — ^You know — ^the next Warehouse — ^right here — is the officer's prison! (distant cannon. Flashes) Everything in confusion! The General isn't here! — They'd obey your orders! — I know they would! (she becomes more and more excited and impetuous) Get the guard away from his door — only a few seconds — that's all we want (Col. Bb.atut _rkes~-u^-"hmking at her.) I / Col. Brant, (breathlessly) Don't say any more ! (he crnnsRS in L.j Eunice (mmiifig ininn.rd.Jhim,) For me — ^for me I (going near him) For both of us ! He'll never hold me if you save him ! He'll release me ! He will ! Col. Brant, (quick turn and seizing her hands) Eunice ! — ^You love me — after all this ! Eunice. Oh — I do ! Col. Brant, (suddenly recovering himself and re- leasing her hands) Oh, no ! I couldn't for a thou- sand loves ! — ^You'd hate me if I did ! Eunice, (quich shahing of head) No — ^no! Col. Brant. You would! I'd hate myself! 1 can't do a thing like that ! (Sudden and vivid flash. Loud scream of shell. Tre- / mendous shock and thunder of explosion. Crash and splitting of timber. Wall at right partly demolished, shattered wood and plaster and masonry showered upon stage. An aperture left in wall oL s... Effect of piece of shell embedded in woodwork up stage.) 70 HELD BT THE ENBMT (Note : For this effect use thunder box, battery not too near, strihmg of heavy boiler plate with sledge hammer. Bed fire, stones and masonry thrown on through break, etc.) (Several of lights may be extinguished, leaving stage half dark.) (Note: Light of fire, later conflagration. Red cal- cium (medium) thrown on break from E. Dark red calcvum on across at back for short time.) (Sbntet who was outside door up stage falls so that he is just at the doorway, at the first shock, — ' only his head on arms showing at back. At first sound Beant instantly throws Eunice around to left of him, and stands guarding his face with ' /" his right arm, his left holding Eunice firmly. i She clings to him for support. Neither observes the Sentet's fall. While the crash, rumbling, and effects are prolonged, Beant and Eunice stand motionless — just as they cease, Goedon Hatne, no coat, clothes torn and covered with dust, etc. Face pale, and wearing no hat, Enters at aperture at e. He stands at s. with red light of explosion on him — as if blinded and not knowing where he is.) Eunice, (whispered exclamation) Gordon! (Beant releases Eunic^, looks quietly at Hatne and moves up toward o. a little. Hayne looks quickly about. Sees revolver on table e. o. makes a quick dash and gets it. Then turns and starts for door up c. Beant quickly steps up to door, before Hatne and intercepts him. Hatne stops b. c. just above table, with revolver in his hand. Eunice stands i. Flash. Low rumble of distant bombardment.) HELD BY THE ENEMY 71 Col. Bbant. (showing weakness, hut standing up to it) Halt ! You can't pass here ! Hatne. (breathlessly — Desperate) Ah got to pass. Colonel — It's life or death with me — an' anyone try- in' to stop me gets this ! (bringing revolver to aim) Eunice, (rushing across to Hatne and stand- ing above him, between him and Brant) No, no! (Seizing his arm) He's a friend! Hatne. If he is, why don't he stand out of the way! Eunice, (breathlessly) Eun by — he hasn't got a revolver — and he's wounded and weak. Hatne. Is he shot, too? Eunice. Yes — ^yes ! (Hatne puts revolver in hip pochet.) Hatne. Then I won't fight him with this — (starting to make a rush for door up c.) Beant. Halt ! Halt ! (seizes Hatne up c. Hatne and Beant struggle. As he holds Hatne at door up 0. Turning a little up toward- door, — shouts as loud as he can) Sergeant of the guard — Post Seven ! (This call is repeated three times outside up b. each time more and more distant, the last call being barely .heard — station men for these calls — do not have one man do it. Beant holds Hatne nearly motionless near door up c. until these calls are made, then Hatne begins to force Bbant back and down l. o. to table. When down there he gives Beant a quick shove back on the table, throwing Beant on his back across the table. Hatne draws revolver from hip pocket and smashes Bbant two or three times across the head with it. Hatne then breaks away and rushes out through o. door; as he goes through door a shot is fired from outside 72 HELD BY THE ENEMY and Hatnb, seizing his throat, turns and stag- gers back on stage — collapsing a little Jj. of o. well up. Seegeant of the guard and Squad of Men rush on as shot is fired — two of the men seize Hatne and hold him in a kneeling posi- tion, facing front, up stage l. c. Hatnb very weak, almost unconscious. As shot is fired ap- proaching horses heard galloping up — several of them. Following instantly on shot — General Stambueg, Surgeon Fielding, McPherson, Woodford, Benson, Maeston, Massen Enter c. from E. Gen. Stambueg goes down e. o. a little. Woodford well down e. McPheeson down E. above table. Benson goes down l. to Brant — ^Marston goes down l. above table to Brant. Fielding goes at once to Hatne — Massen and other aides grouped r. and l. well up.) Gen. Stamburg. (r. o. A little up. After he is on) What does this mpan ? Benson, (bending over Brant) An attempt on the Colonel's life ! (Brant reviving L. o.) Gen, Stambueg. Take charge of the prisoner there! (Sergeant of the Guard salutes and takes step or two nearer Hatnb.) Who is this young woman? (indicatirig^ Eunice, who has gone down in front of table E. o,^ Benson. A friend of the prisoner, sir. Gen. Stambueg. Wasn't she with him at his Court-martial ? Benson. Yes, sir. Fielding, (who has been examining — without looking up) Evidently an accomplice, sir! Gen. Stambueg. Send her to the Guard-house. (Woodford steps down near Eunice.) HELD BY THE ENEMY 73 Bbant. {getting to his feet, holding on to the table) No ! no ! General, don't do that ! Gen. Stambueg. Colonel! Bkant. She is alone and unprotected — her family driven from their home — ^her friend wounded there before you ! Gen. Stambueg. What of that if she's guilty of Beant. She's guilty of nothing — sir — I beg you — (breathless from weakness) I beg you to revoke the order placing her under arrest and for her guilt or innocence hold me responsible! {Very brief pause. Gbnbeal Stambueg looking at Colonel Beant — others all intent on the scene.) Gen. Stambueg. The order is revoked! Have the young lady conducted in safety to her home ! {Ring Curtain.) Beant. {as curtain is descending, very weak, al- most a whisper — saluting as he speaks) General — ^I — {sways a little) I thank you — {suddenly collapses into chair E. of table L. c.) CUETAIN ACT IV Scene: — The Military Hospital, Interior of a Church, which is in use by United States Forces as a hospital. At the Left well down in a large arched opening, supposed to lead to the exterior, tits backing ^4 J •. A- - 74 HELD BY THE ENEMY should he ornamented walls with lower part of columns or arches, as if a smaller vestibule or corridor were just outsidj} At the right is an arched way or opening. This is bached by in- terior walls, arches, columns, etc. Wp stage near Z is a large very high Gothic archway well across the stage: Through this arch may be seen, body of. ..church, mfK alidr, large stained glass win- dows, smaller arches at side, stained glass ef- fects. Etc. Etc. The Altar and small arches at side are closed by rough plank partitions about the height of a man, excepting one arch at B..^Ajind one up^^ which are left open for entrances. The one at E. must be wide enough for men carrying stretcher. Above partitions, and bach stretching away at sides among col- umns, are seen rows of hospital cots set close, with men in them, and occasionally nurses moving quietly about. There is no furniture. Floor cloth painted to represent marble flooring. Coarse hemp matting used over it. Bunch lights full on outside l, 1. Dim light outside E. 1. Light and stained glass effect up stage. Foots and borders half on. Foots have colored me- diums. Calcium with red and blue (or varie- gated) medium from right and left for stained glass effects. Stretchers, or other hospital uten- sils may be stached against wall or columns up stage. Several places in the scene where shells have broken away windows, columns, walls — • etc. A notice on a board may be fastened to the partition across chancel, reading "WARD 4 NOTICE- — " i On column or wall near l. 1 is another, "WABD \ 3 NOTICE " It is late in the afternoon. Curtain music, subdued, low, military. It is con- tinued pianissimo until entrance of Tom Bebne. •■ HELD BY THE ENEMY 76 A Sentet is up L. pacing slowly back and forth a few steps, now and then standing at ease, — A GuAHD back of archway up e. o. near the Arch. He stands at ease, 'off Left 4 or 5 and above it. At rise, an Obdeelt appears at left and is stopped by the Sentbt. Presents an order. — Sentet passes Mm. He goes across and exits through archMoyjuP-^lS^'^^AriiospUSl TTOHSe^" Inters up L. and crosses toward Right 1. This Nuese is a private. He carries no arms, but has a towel over arm, and rolls of bandage, sponge, etc., in hands. He exits e. 1. These crosses must not be made too hastily. The Curtain music continues. Tom Beene enters at left. The Sentet stops him, putting musket across entrance. Beenb presents an order. Sentet examines it, then returns it to him, standing aside to let him pass. {Stop Curtain music.) Sentet. (pointing off ^., 1) General Ward — Down that way an' take your first turn to the left. (Beene passes in and is crossing toward e. — at l. c. he stops and turns back to the Sentet.) Beene. The man that died this morning — he's in the General Ward, isn't he? Sentet. There was more'n sixty died this morn- ing — ^which one did you want? Beene. The prisoner they were going to hang to-day. Sentet. Oh — Hayne. — He's in there — ^third door — where you see the guard. (Beenb at once starts toward e. 4. Sentet calls after him) Halt! (Beenb stops te — Beant recovers himself and turns, toward Eunice — who is seated on sofa facing fireplace, Bbant goes to her and leans over bach of sofa — getting her hand in his.) Brant, (after looJcing at her an instant in silence) Is it true — or am I in a dream? Eunice, (after very slight pause, as she looks at Beant) It's true. Beant. (putting arm around her) Eunice! Eunice ! Eunice. He told me he was going to Brant. Yes ! Yes ! It was noble — it was splendid of him! But his releasing . you — ^that doesn't mean that you — (stops as he looks down into her face) Eunice, (nodding her head a little before speak- ing) Oh! yes it does! (Beant takes her in his arms) (They separate when Susan and Bbene enter and Brant stands up looking at Susan amd Beene — Eunice also watches them but doesn't rise.) Susan, (as she and Beene enter through window R. c. and going down h. c. Beene following Susan, both trying to talk at once) But there ain't the least use talking about it — ^not any use at all. Beene. (as he follows Susan on) That's what I say — ^Let's call it settled! Susan, (down l. c.) It's settled the way I say. . . .That's the only way it can be settled. 128 HELD BY THE ENEMY Beene. Of course, ten years — I understand that I Susan. Oh I well if you do Beene. Why certainly — That's easy — Ten years — with nine off for good behavior. Susan. No! No! Nothing off — (turns L. and goes up L. c.) Beene. (following her around and getting l. of her) But wait — I want to tell you! They always do that! Susan. No! No! Beene. Even the worst criminals get something off — even a thief, even a — (sees Beant and Eunice) Why Brant, my dear fellow, I'm delighted to see you again, (arm out as he goes K. Shakes hands with Bhant) And Miss McCreery. . . . (shakes hands with Eunice) I am delighted — so glad to see you, etc. (Susan who has turned at c. and watched Beene go K. gives sudden sharp little scream. Beant, Eunice, Beene all turn quickly on the scream to see what has happened, Susan stands point- ing at Bbene's right arm. Beene suddenly realizing his error, tries for an instant to put his arm back — and starts toward Susan trying to explain. Both talk ad. lib. to fill. Susan will not hear of it, and when Beene holds out his right hand to her she slaps it down, and same with left. Then she turns and goes up i. c. Beene following — and around among and mixed up with the portieres, and the two finally subside and become quiet behind them. After Susan and Beene are quiet behind the portieres Beant goes around in front of sofa and sits alongside Eunice.) Beant. Ten years ! Must I wait as long as that ? Eunice, (shaking her head a little first) Not quite. (Beant hisses her hands.) HELD BY THE ENEMY 129 Beant. Listen! I've left the Army — I'm going North in a few days — ^why can't we — {voice sinks to a whisper and they go on earnestly discussing some- thing — Bhant's arm about her) (Both are sitting facing fireplace. Baclcs to L. and back of sofa should hide them from anybody in the room. Enter Saeah at door l. 3 e. She hurries in — as Hatne has told her of his release of BusriCE she wishes to prevent any mischief.) Saeah. (entering l.) Eunice — ^your cousin has just told me that he — (looks about) Where are you, Eunice ? Eunice, (rising at e. and turning toward Saeah) I'm here — Aunt Sal. (Beant now rises and faces Saeah.) Saeah. (after a look of consternation at them) Colonel Brant — I'm obliged to tell you quite plainly that while we are duly grateful for what you've done for us, my brother will never consent to this ! Eunice. But Auntie — I know he will. Saeah. You know nothing about it ! (turning to go L. Beant and Eunice sit on sofa again) I shall speak to your cousin before he goes — (going up l. c. He will at least request you to — (throiving aside cur- tains sees Susan and Beenb sitting on the stairway. Turns front.) I don't approve of this at all! Beene. (sitting on stairway) What's she got to do with it? Susan, (sitting on stairway) Nothing whatever ! CURTAIN. u,...^^i* r^7»i. •--?■■*. A^-. '•?'.-■>