Al3uflfTiS \ i 1 r\ CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Joseph Whitmore Barry dramatic library the gift of two friends of Cornell University !934 Cornell University Library PS 3022. A3 1898 AUGUSTUS THOMAS. THE AUTHOR OF COLO- RADO." ALABAMA A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS AUGUSTUS THOMAS Member of A merican Dramatists' Club, Author of "In Mizzoura," " The Burglar," "A Man of the World" " The Hoosier Doctor;' "The Capitol" " The Man Upstairs" " The Jack- tin's Afterthoughts" "A Proper Impropriety" etc., etc. *tfUBUslftlN6A ^New=york- • 3 c c n • NEW YORK THE DE WITT PUBLISHING HOUSE 1898 Copyright, 1898, BY ROBERT HOWARD RUSSELL. COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND WARNING. This play is fully protected by the copyright law, all requirements of oubt? MOBERLY This is a mistake, Mrs. Page. Atlanta knows nothing. 62 MRS. P. [Quietly.] There is nothing to know, Colonel Moberly ; but you must be aware that— my boy's name — will be — in question. It will hurt him very deeply, as it is. It would hurt him more if it reacted upon her. I shall spare him that. ATLANTA I don't understand you. You — you refuse your consent ? MRS. P. Yes. [Atlanta weeping.] LATHROP [JSmbracing Atlanta] . What is this trouble, Colonel Moberly ? MOBERLY Your mother only can explain, Lieutenant. LATHROP Mother ! MRS. P. I will explain to Atlanta. Come, dear, don't cry. [Exit into house.] LATHROP [ C] What does this mean, Colonel Moberly ? MOBERLY [22. C] It means that I am an ass — a blamed ass, 63 sab, and if I had kept quiet, your ma would never have thought of refusing. [latheop at steps.] I wouldn't advise you to follow them. « LATHROP [To squire, who is sitting on steps.] What is this trouble that everyone may know but me ? [squire shakes head.] [Exit latheop around house.] SQUIRE Colonel — [Pause; squire beckons and pats step beside himself, colonel crosses to step and sits by squire.] "Was it the — the case, Colonel, of Page versus Page ; possession of certain lands ? MOBERLY Yes, sah. SQUIRE I thought so. [Paused] She's a very paramount woman, Colonel. MOBERLY She's indeed a superior woman, Squire. SQUIRE I knew her intimately afore ever she was Mrs. Page — when she was nee — nee Mildred Fairfax. MOBERLY A very old family, sah. 64 SQUIRE You know, Colonel, she was previously engaged to Harry Preston. ■ MOBERLY [As matter of course.'] The Colonel's son. SQUIRE Oh, yes — their attachment was very valid indeed, too — but being as they was cousins the — Colonel Preston canceled it. MOBERLY On account of the consanguinity. SQUIRE [After puzzled look at mobeely, dubiously.] How ? MOBERLY I say Colonel Preston's objection to the marriage was on account of the consanguinity. SQUIRE [Bringing up his average.] Oh, yes ! I s'pose that was just as serious as their being cousins. [ Whispers aside.] Consanguinity ! [Looks cautiously at moberly.] Colonel MOBERLY Well, Squire ? SQUIRE [Looking at house. Pause.] You have been a father [pause] and a married man — do you con- template that marriage is a failure ? MOBERLY [Sadly.] Well, Squire, it has different results in nearly every different case. It is a mattah in which one man of honor cannot advise another. SQUIRE [Thoughtfully.] Mother has always been opposed to it, and there being nobody for her to lean on but me MOBERLY Well — it is dubious. SQUIRE [After pause.] I was talkin' over this case of Page versus Page last night with Mrs. Page. MOBERLY Yes. SQUIRE She says her few months of married life was 'bout as happy as any similar period of her experience. MOBERLY It is that way with some. SQUIRE And it wasn't a love match either, but mother says marriage wasn't a success with her — an' she was 66 married fifteen year [with feeling] when father died. Colonel. MOBERLY Yes, Squire. SQUIRE Do you think it would affect the standing of a court that had continued single nigh on to forty-five years, if it — should — discontinue? MOBERLY Get married ? SQUIRE Yes, sir. MOBERLY Quite the contrary, Squire. It would add to its impressiveness, certainly. SQUIRE E — even if its mother had no other visible means of support? It wouldn't look like deserting her, would it ? MOBERLY Seems to me, Squire, it would appear like providing a companion for her declining years. SQUIRE [Rising — offering his hand.] You air sincere, Colonel? 67 MOBERLY [Rising.'] There's my hand, sah. [They shake.] SQUIRE You have placed the case, Colonel, in a comforting and lucid manner. I thank you. \Aside+~ going C] I wish the Colonel would convene with mother. [Re-enter caret, mrs, s., and Armstrong from above house.] CAREY [ Up C. ] Here is gran'pa, gentlemen. MRS. S. [L. C] Where are the ladies ? MOBERLY [Z.] Indoors, Mrs. Stockton. MRS. S. I will join them. [ Goes in.] SQUIRE Here is the plaintiff, Colonel, with Mr. Preston. [Goes R.] [Miter prbston and page, B. of C. entrance.] CAREY Grandpa PRESTON [C] My darling — [Kisses her.] Your old grandad is very tired. 68 CAREY [Bringing him down.] You should not walk so far. See our friends. PRESTON Gentlemen, you honor me. I was ahout to have mj breakfast. Will you join me? Call Decatur, my dear. ALL No, thank you. CAREY [ On porch and calling off.] Decatur — Sadie, tell Decatur. MOBERLY We have come over, Colonel, to attend the meeting with Captain Davenport. PRESTON Davenport ? [ Going to table.] SQUIRE About the laud. PRESTON Land ? What land ? CAREY [ Coming to Mm.] There gran'pa ; don't be excited I Gentlemen — [Appealing to them.] 6 9 ARMSTRONG [ Coming down. ] No land, Mr. Preston. Only the right of way for the railroad. [Enter decatue, back of house. PRESTON But why do they come to me ? I have said no — I do not want your railroad on my plantation, Mr. Armstrong. CAREY Sit down, gran'pa. Decatur, bring gran'pa his coffee. [Exit DECATUB.] [ Coming to mobeely. ] Colonel Moberly, don't talk to him of this. You don't know how it worries him. PRESTON Carey, won't our friends have breakfast? Tell Decatur to set some plates, [abmsteong goes back of table. ] CAREY It is very late, gran'pa.. All the gentlemen have been to breakfast — excepting Mr. Armstrong. PRESTON Then sit down, Mr. Armstrong. ARMSTRONG Thank you. [Sits iJ, of table.] 7° PAGE I have been trying to get Colonel Preston to consent to the road, and to assist it. There is nothing I would not do to persuade him. SQUIRE [i?.] Would you dismiss the suit, sah, that you pro- pose to bring against his cousin, Mrs. Mildred Page, sah? PRESTON Suit against Mildred ? What suit ? PAGE Nothing to be talked of now. CAREY Never mind, gran'pa! PRESTON [Rising. "\ Nevermind? A suit against Mildred i Who is there to protect her but me ? What is the suit you are bringing, Squire ? SQUIRE I am for the defense, Colonel. I represent Mrs. Page. PRESTON Defense ! Has it gone so far, sir ? Mr. Page! PAGE [ G. ] Colonel Preston. 7i PRESTON What suit have you against Mrs. Page ? PAGE A civil action, sir. PRESTON No action against a lady can be civil, sir. What is your complaint [pause], Squire? SQUIRE He claims her property. PRESTON Has it been mortgaged? Has she been in need ? SQUIRE He disputes the title. PRESTON How? CAREY Never mind, gran'pa ! Don't tell him, Squire ! PRESTON Carey, Carey dear, be quiet. I am waiting, Squire. [Pause.] Colonel Moberly MOBERLY [L.] He denies her marriage to his brother. PRESTON What! 73 PAGE It did not ocour. CAREY Gran'pa PRESTON And you are on my premises ! You bring that lie to me ! You have it in your heart, and take my hand — you were walking with your arm through mine. CAREY Gran'pa ! [Miter decatue, who goes back of table.] PRESTON Be quiet ! CAREY [ To the men.] But he is not strong enough for this. PRESTON It needs no strength. Colonel Moberly, you are my friend. Decatur, bring that case of pistols. Ray- mond Page 1 l\f [Throws a glass of water in page's face.] I ' " [Picture — everybody standing and alert ; moberly seines page. Armstrong and CARET hold PRESTON. ] 73 PAGE You are au old man, sir. Your years protect you. I will meet any friend you name. [Meits after a meaning look at mobeelt. Old man sinks on chair, caret by him. ] SQUIRE [Rushing up C] I shall throw him in the bayou with the frogs. MOBERLY [Restraining him up L. C. ] Squire, as a member of the Judiciary, you cannot. Colonel Preston has named me as his friend. I will meet Mr. Page. CAREY [At table.] Come, gran'pa, your breakfast — take some coffee. PRESTON Not now, my dear — not now. I will go inside. [Rises — totters.] Decatur. DECATUR Mars Preston. [decatur comes down and takes preston's arm quickly.] PRESTON My friends, excuse me. [Exit with caret and decatur into the house.] 74 SQUIRE [ C] I haven't seen Colonel Preston so animated for years. ARMSTRONG [R. C] It doesn't look very encouraging for the meeting this morning. MOBERL [JO. ft] Ii does not, sah. [Miter mes. vA.GKfrom house.'] MRS. P. [On steps.] Colonel Moberly MOBERLY Yes. MRS. P. What is the matter with Colonel Preston ? [aemsteong in dumb show to squiee, and exit with him above house.] MOBERLY An unpleasant interview with Mr. Raymond Page. MRS. P. [ On steps. ] About me ? MOBERLY Yes, madam. [She leans against post.] Mrs. Page, there was a circumstance that makes a meet- ing necessary. 75 MRS. P. A meeting ? MOBERLY An affair of honah. MRS. P. Nothing can make that necessary, Colonel Moberly. MOBERLY Colonel Preston threw some water into Mr. Page's countenance, [mrs. p. starts.] A mere soupcon as to quantity, but enough to convey his meaning. MRS. P. Well — [meaning " Speak on / " — comes down.] MOBERLY Mr. Page has asked the meeting. MRS. P. [Scornfully.] With that old man ? MOBERLY [Impressively, after a pause.] With — me. MRS. P. Colonel, this must not be. MOBERLY It cannot be avoided. Mrs. Page — your pardon — hear me, please. I — I — esteem it an honor to rep- resent you — to resent Mr. Page's insinuations. I should like a double right to do so. 76 MRS. P. A double right ? MOBERLY The — exigency — what might be termed the mili- tary exigency of the hour — excuses my — precipita- tion. I am making a formal proposition of marriage. MRS. P. It is your chivalry, Colonel, that prompts you. MOBERLY My sentiment, believe me. I have always admired you. Your answer. MRS. P. You are a very singular gentleman, Colonel Mo- berly, but I must believe you serious. MOBERLY Mrs. Page! MRS. PAGE I do not know how to answer you. MOBERLY Consider it until this evening. And, Mrs. Page, I think it but fair to both you and Squire Tucker, to say that my offer is not without competition. The Squire admires you. MRS. P. You are jesting, Colonel. The Squire 77 MOBERLV [Interrupting her.] A very manly, true-hearted gentleman, Mrs. Page. He has had few advantages, but I respect his sincerity. MRS. P. [Half rebuked.] Colonel Moberly — I — respect yours. MORERLY [Bowing.] Thank you, madam. MRS. P. It is hardly necessary for me to consider your offer. It is no secret here around Talladega, that when a girl, I loved Harry Preston. We were cousins, and MOBERLY I know. MRS. P. I married Dabney Page — for — worthy motives — but I have loved all these years — that cousin. I do not think I could ever do more than respect another. MOBERLY Consider me a suitor for that respect. Take till this evening, Mrs. Page. It may be that to-morrow evening my Atlanta will need a friend. MRS. P. No — no; I will not consent to that affair. It is barbarous. I — I — 78 [Miter davenport, H. C, through gate, carrying small valise, mes. page sees him and pauses. moberly turns.] DAVENPORT Is Colonel Preston here ? MOBERLY You are — Captain Davenport, sah ? DAVENPORT I am. MOBERLY I am Colonel Edgefield Moberly, sah — very happy to meet you, and welcome you to Talladega County. We have the pleasure of knowing your Major Armstrong. DAVENPORT [Smiling.'] Yes ? MOBERLY [Crosses C] This is Mrs. Mildred Page. Mrs. Page, I present Captain Davenport of the Gulf and Midland Railway. [They bow.] Just set your knap- sack down, sah, and I will send a niggah for it. I will find Colonel Preston, sah. [Exits with effusion, back of house.] [davenport looks about — sets valise L. of table.] 79 MRS. P. [At steps.] You were expected earlier, Captain Davenport. DAVENPORT The stage was delayed. Are your May mornings all like this — so warm ? MRS. P. We do not think this warm. Is it your first visit to Alabama ? [Miter DECATUE.] DAVENPORT I have been here before. DECATUR I take your valise, sir ? DAVENPORT [Back of table.] A little carefully, please; the lock is broken. [decatub starts at the sound of the voice.] DECATUR Afo' God! Why— wh— why DAVENPORT I beg your pardon! DECATUR [Sotto voce.] Ghosts sure. [Goes off.] DAVENPORT [R. C. ] I seem to have frightened the old man. 80 MRS. P. As you startled me, Captain. DAVENPORT Startled you ? MRS. P. The voice is very like that of a son of Colonel Preston. DAVENPORT Harry Preston ? MRS. P. Tou know the name ? DAVENPORT I know the man. [Pause.] And the voice startled Decatur. MRS. P. Decatur ! You know DAVENPORT I knew him — as I knew you, Mildred — as you — [extending his hand] must know me. [She gives her hand — breathes quickly — starts to faint — recovers herself— grasps her heart] MRS. P. [Earnestly but quiet.] Harry ! DAVENPORT [More quietly.] Yes. [Embraces her.] 81 MRS. P. [Looking up.] I cannot tell you — how — how glad I am. [Almost in whisper.] DAVENPORT [In same hey.] Your tears do that. MRS. P. [Going from his breast.] Your father DAVENPORT Never mind him now. [Embrace.] MRS. P. Tell me why you are here. DAVENPORT [Leaving her.] Because it is spring — because every breeze from the South for eighteen years has brought its message to me. MRS. P. Then why not come before ? DAVENPORT [Holding her hand and looking at the house.] You must know — my letters came back unopened. He refused to read them. I come now, because there is the excuse of business. MRS. P. But you come as — Captain Davenport. DAVENPORT Because I am Captain Davenport. 82 MRS. P. What? DAVENPORT [Removing gloves.] Yes — General Davenport died in my arms on the field, and dying he said, "Preston, you are a boy whom I have loved. I have left what worldly goods I have, to you — as I leave you my blessing now." I valued the blessing more than I valued the material bequest, because the next letter from the South brought me a father's curses — brought me the news of Margery's death. MRS. P. In my arms, Harry. DAVENPORT [Looking in her face.] You were kind to her, dear — I knew. MRS. P. But go on. DAVENPORT Out of gratitude to dear old Davenport, I took his name — his little money gave me some leverage — my civil engineering threw me with the railroads. [ Grosses L.~\ I have succeeded — if bank accounts and embankments and new cities in the wilderness mean success. 83 MRS. P. [ C] And is it not success ? DAVENPORT I do not know — I feel my years. Time has left its warning on the temples. I am strong enough in the material sense, but my life is empty and unprom- ising. I have thought so much of late — about — my father. MRS. P. [Crosses to table.] He will be so glad to see you. He talks constantly of you. DAVENPORT [Turns]. Kindly? MRS. P. Oh, very! [He sits with emotion B. C] He will be glad to see you. [She takes his hand.] DAVENPORT No. Do not tell him unless he knows me. I wish to see him first. I tried to persuade myself I didn't love him, Mildred. MRS. P. I know. [Back of his chair.] DAVENPORT Of course you do — you have suffered. It becomes so different at forty, doesn't it ? 84 MRS. P. Yes — yes DAVENPORT When the survey of this road was projected, the line ran five miles from here. I loved the maps — I loved the names. Talladega, on the chart, was only the width of a dot away. I said, " It shall cross his swampy plantation, and bring him riches." MRS. P. But he does not want it. DAVENPORT So Armstrong writes me — but I shall persuade . him. [Enter caeey.J I am to meet CAREY Captain Davenport. DAVENPORT [Quickly.'] What! [Rises and turns.] CAREY Good-morning, Captain. DAVENPORT [Hoarsely.] My God! CAREY [Timidly.] Gran'pa will be out in a moment. Cousin Mildred — gran'pa says make Captain Daven- port at home. [Exit] 85 DAVENPORT [Crossing L. C] At home — my God — that is Margery's face — Mildred MRS. P. It is Margery's daughter. DAVENPORT [At porch.] Margery's daughter MRS. P. And yours. Did you not know — why Margery's death DAVENPORT Was this? [To porch and, weeping, turning quickly.] Impossible ! MRS. P. You saw Margery the last time at that gate. DAVENPORT [ Quickly.] When we came through with Sherman —yes. MRS. P. You met at my house. DAVENPORT [Leaning on porch post.] Yes — yes, I remember. MRS. P. Your father never let her come back here. She lived with me till — she died. The baby, Carey, has 86 always been with me. Harry — Harry — does it grieve you ? DAVENPORT [Recovering.] Grieve me — grieve me — It is the sight of land to a starving shipwreck. [Incidental music, " The Vacant Chair," pp. andante. Enter preston and caeet]. MRS. P. Harry — your father — be careful. [ 0.] CAREY [ On porch.] Captain Davenport, this is my gran'- pa — Colonel Preston. DAVENPORT [Crosses C] Colonel PrestoD. [The old man comes down and they shake hands.] PRESTON I am pleased to meet you, Captain — but I'm afraid our dull old place will seem sleepy to the energetic Captain Davenport. DAVENPORT It is a rest, sir. [peeston turns, consults caeet. Goes back.] How changed — how changed ! [To mes. p., but watching preston.] My voice does not startle him — and the old eyes are grown too dim with age. 87 PRESTON [Turning to davenport.] I have been very much delayed with breakfast, Captain Davenport, and I fear it is cold, but I shall be pleased to have you join us. [Turns to house — ascends steps.] DAVENPORT [Sotto voice.] My father — and my child ! [Impulsively starts to embrace them — mes. p. restrains him.] [Incidental music, forte.] CURTAIN. 38 ACT III. Scene : Ruined gate-way, C. Masonry post, H., standing; the other, L., in ruins. Virginia creepers over both. Fragment of wall on either side. Background of tropical shrubbery. Gal- cwm^onJvrjnQiai, illuminating wall and front of stage only. All back of wall in almost total darkness. Footlights down to a glow. 2fo border lights. Song off by negroes before rise of curtain, " Carry me back," continued diminuendo after curtain is up. Discovered : Davenport and Mrs. Page. DAVENPORT [C] Yes, just such a night as this, Mildred, I stood here with her. The old gate was in its proud perfection then, both posts standing. Beyond the bayou there, the Confederate camp fires were like stars. MRS. P. [Leaning against post.'] Then Lathrop was a babe in arms ; but I came here to see you too, when Mar- gery said you had dared to come. 89 DAVENPORT You did, dear girl. It seems only a night ago that she came down this path, with old Decatur. [Mus- ingly.] Nineteen years — and when the air grew heavy with the dew — you took us to your house. MRS. P. It brings back the time so vividly. DAVENPORT Yes ; when I came up this morning the weedy smell of the swampland brought the dead years back — we were children again, Mildred, wading for pond lilies ; and to-night this magic odor of magnolia restores the shattered gossamer of all my boyish dreams. Those negro voices from the bayou in the same old songs MRS. P. Ah, but the years DAVENPORT The years have brought their pictures. It is beautiful — beautiful with its decay. This old sentinel gate-post watching by his sleeping com- rade, and the creepers [touches the vines'] in their charity have covered every wound. MRS. P. It was a kind old gate to us. 9° DAVENPORT To you and me, Mildred, yes. Five years before that time, we parted here ; you were leaning against the post as you are leaning now — tears on your cheek, and the moonlight made them look [ Turns to her. Pause.] MRS. P. Well? DAVENPORT [Half surprised.] Look — as they look now, and I — I was weak enough to do their bidding, and go away. Mildred, why are you weeping ? MRS. P. Habit, I suppose. On such nights as this, I've wept, if you call this weeping, for twenty years — and more. DAVENPORT [Earnestly to her.] I loved you, Mildred, very, very much. MRS. P. I think you did. DAVENPORT [Turning away.] What sorcery there is in the air ! [Inhales heavily.] Dead thoughts, dead hopes are breathing with us. Can the conjuring night revive a love, I wonder ? 91 MRS. P. A love ? DAVENPORT Yes ; a love that's dead, I fear. MRS. P. What love, Harry ? DAVENPORT The love of the old Mildred for the cousin sweet- heart. MRS. P. Do you think that ever died ? Do you think because you went away, I could forget you ? DAVENPORT You said to go. MRS. P. I thought it for the best. Our families both opposed us. DAVENPORT Yes, the audacious assumption of every generation to regulate the heart affairs of the one that follows. Such a cruel wrong ! MRS. P. Cruel, even if right. DAVENPORT I shall never stay away again. [Pause.] Such a rest ! Home, father, a daughter, Mildred. 92 MRS. P. When will you tell him ?' DAVENPORT To-night perhaps, or to-morrow. He spoke of his son once to-day, and my heart failed me. MRS. P. He talks of you always. DAVENPORT Never in anger ? MRS. P. Never ! He has spoken of you tenderly for the last twelve years. DAVENPORT Have I not written in that time ? MRS. P. No, and longer. DAVENPORT My blind resentment. Is that he, coming there ? MRS. P. [Looking through gate to R.~\ That is the Colonel, dear old soul ! I promised he might escort me home. He is very much depressed to-night, and I must make him still more unhappy. Are you sure you can prevent that meeting ? 93 DAVENPORT Not sure. When you told me of it, I asked the Colonel to let me be his representative. I have seen Mr. Page's second — I will see Page himself before the affair. Have no fear. [ Crosses M.J [Enter mobkblt R. C. mes. p. goes L. C] MOBERLY [C] My dear Mrs. Page, here you are. Miss Carey said you were about the grounds. Mrs. Stockton has gone on to your house with Squire Tucker. MRS. P. [L. C] Captain Davenport is with me. DAVENPORT [Lighting cigar.] Here, Colonel. MRS. P. Mrs. Stockton is my guest to-night ; we must go, Colonel. MOBERLY Ah, yes ! This is the kind of a night, Captain, that we pride ourselves upon here in Alabama. DAVENPORT I am willing to admit that your Southern moons seem brighter than our colder ones. 94 MOBERLY More gold in them, sah — more heart in them, and I contend, sah, that a girl raised under them has got more music and more poetry in her soul, sah. [Inhales effusively and glares at mes. p.] DAVENPORT I think that, too ; and this old place is like some enchanted ruin in its decay. MOBERLY All of the ruin, Captain, is not decay. This old gate was battered down, sah. DAVENPORT • Battered down ? MOBERLY Yes, sah. Some of Sherman's flank got as far down as this. Our Colonel Cavanaugh made a stand against the Yankees at this very gate. See here, sah. [Goes to broken post, and drawing vines aside, shows dismantled gun.~\ DAVENPORT [H. 0.] A brass field piece. MOBERLY [L. C.~\ Yes, sah, a cannon. The shot that dis- mantled it shattered this post, and killed Colonel 95 Cavanaugh and gunner number three of this piece. It has been here ever since. [mes. f. sits on ruined wall, L. ] DAVENPORT Is it possible ? [Looks closely at gun. ] MOBERLY Strange as it may seem, sah, that gun is really the nucleus of the Talladega Light Artillery. DAVENPORT Indeed ? Is the organization so old ? MOBERLY It does not antedate the war, sah ; the Talladega Light Artillery was recruited only six years ago, when tlic county felt the need of some military organization for its moral salutary influence upon the blacks, and called upon me to undertake the work. DAVENPORT I see. MOBERLY Starting as we did, we could of course have made it a cavalry or an infantiy company ; but knowing that this piece was lying here, we made it Light Artillery. 96 DAVENPORT [Ami/ised .] Yes, yes ! MOBERLY Imagine our surprise when Colonel Preston, attaching certain sentimental values to its juxta- position with his gate, declined to consent to its appropriation. DAVENPORT I understand. MOBERLY Yes, sah. It was a serious disappointment, but we still retain the hope that Colonel Preston will ulti- mately endow the Talladega Light Artillery with that gun. DAVENPORT In the meantime I suppose the battery is able to drill. MOBERLY- Oh, yes, sah, we have what we call our mock-turtle gun — for practice, and we have a superb organiza- tion. The Light Artillery are almost a balance of power, Captain Davenport, in our primary elections; my nomination for Congress is a tribute of their appreciation. They did not permit a blamed niggah j to the caucus— and, sah — allow me to say, sah, they air a unit on the subject of the Gulf and Midland Railway. 97 DAVENPORT I thank them, Colonel, through you — and permit me to say that the Gulf and Midland will take pleasure in endowing the Talladega Light Artillery with four guns, if they will accept. MOBERLY Captain Davenport [takes his hand and wrings it] you are too generous ! Mrs. Page, my arm, madame. [ Goes to wing; turns in a burst of magnanimity.] Captain Davenport, from this moment you air an honorary member of the Talladega Light Artillery ! [Exit with mrs. p.] DAVENPORT [Laughing softly!] Bless the old war horse ! He's like them all — big-hearted and loyal if you once get through their insulation of politeness and pom- posity. But the new generation is pushing them from their hobbies. They are going as the old wall here has gone. [Pause. Pulls vines away and looks at gun.] And time in its tenderness, I hope, will hide their faults, as it has covered these — with beauties. [Exit L.] Song, " Little Consolation" by negroes to empty j stage. After quite a wait preston comes slowly through the gate and stands by post, reflect- ively smoking. He is looking off toward the bayou, and indicates the retrospection of dream- 5>3 ing senility. The music continues, cabby enters and slips her arm through the old man's. He looks down and pats her cheek. She snuggles to Mm. pkestost looks away again and wipes his eyes. They advance a few steps, caret releases her hold and, stepping back cautiously, takes a magnolia from her throat, and fastens it in the vines on the upright post. She then rejoins preston, and diplomatically and caressingly cajoles him into an exit R. The music continues. Armstrong comes through the gate-way, looks after preston and caret, goes to post, takes the magnolia, kisses it, and speaks.'] ARMSTRONG She will come back. [Puts the flower in his lapel — music diminishes.] Dear, dear little Carey ! Strange that I should go through the social seasons of the Northern cities to fall hopelessly in love with this little girl, who has never seen a street car. But then — Niagara and the Palisades never impressed me like this sleepy bayou has. She is coming — and alone. To-morrow I must leave this place, but I can't leave her. [Enter caret.] Little girl — so sweet of you to come! CAREY Mr. Ned [He draws her to him."] You got (he flower ? 99 ARMSTRONG In both arms. CAREY What are we to do ? Gran'pa is coming — I only ran ahead. ARMSTRONG There is nothing to be done. I will speak to him. [davenport comes on behind the broken wall and overhears; the light of his cigar shows to audience.'] CAREY But if he should say no — and Cousin Mildred thinks he will — what will you do ? ARMSTRONG What will you do, Carey ? CAREY I — I shall die. ARMSTRONG Here? CAREY [Inquiringly.] Here ? ARMSTRONG On this old place ? CAREY Where else? ARMSTRONG With me, We won't die, either, Will you go ? 1 09 CAREY You — you would not wish me to. ARMSTRONG I do wish you to. Will you go ? CAREY Ask gran'pa first — you will ask gran'pa first ? ARMSTRONG Surely. I will ask him now. [Enter preston. Song off ceases.] PRESTON Carey, dear [Pause.] Who is with you ? CAREY Mr. Armstrong, gran'pa. PRESTON Was that why you ran ahead from me ? CAREY [After looking at Armstrong.] Yes — sir. [GoesL. ft] ARMSTRONG [ ft] Colonel Preston PRESTON [R. ft] Mr. Armstrong. ARMSTRONG I have to thank you for a very pleasant week in your home here, ior PRESTON You are kind to speak of it, sir, but we are the debtors. You've rather brightened up the old place a bit. Carey's father was a hurdle-jumper, and that sort of thing, and it's — kind o' like the old days to hear a horse come in on a canter again. ARMSTRONG My business takes me away to-morrow. PRESTON We shall hope to see you again sometime. I'm sure Carey joins me in the invitation, though she doesn't say anything. CAREY Of course I do, gran'pa. ARMSTRONG Colonel Preston, I've been here only a week, but I like the country very much. PRESTON It's a pretty season with us. ARMSTRONG And, Colonel Preston — I don't think I ever met a young lady that seemed so sincere — and — so good — and — so — interesting as Miss Carey is. PRESTON Carey, dear. [Crosses,. C, with a little alarm. She takes his hand.'] ARMSTRONG [i. C] I've — become very — fond of her, sir — in fact, Colonel Preston — I think more of her than I ever thought it possible a man could care for a girl. I — love her. PRESTON My dear — you'd better go to the house. CAREY Mr. Ned PRESTON [/Severely.] What ! ARMSTRONG I think I speak her wishes, Colonel Preston — I am sure she loves me, too. PRESTON I But, sir, you are a stranger here, you — are from the North. ■' ARMSTRONG I am — but — Carey loves me. PRESTON No — no, sir — she is but a child. You take advan- tage of her inexperience. She knows nothing of the world, Mr. Armstrong. ARMSTRONG She will never kno>v piore, living here. 103 PRESTON She was born here, sir. She would die in your country. No — no, I cannot hear of it. You mustnot see Mr. Armstrong again, my dear. Say good-night to him now. The North robbed me of everything that made life worth living, sir, but this child. And they would take her, too. No ! Go to the house, Carey. Mr. Armstrong — good-night ! ARMSTRONG Carey — [Pause. ] [cabet exit.] You ai'e cruel, Colonel Preston ; there is something more important than your prejudices. PRESTON What is it, sir — your wishes ? I thought I was so poor, Mr. Armstrong, that I should never see one of your Northern gentlemen again. Ah — ah — but I'd forgotten that my little girl might be coveted. ARMSTRONG Your resentment, sir, has no place where that little girl's happiness is concerned. PRESTON Your — happiness — you mean. She could not be content with you — you are too old for her, sir. You must be thirty — she's only eighteen. She belongs here. You wouldn't know how to treat her in your 104 home. She'd die there a.s quickly as that flower on your coat, sir. Do magnolias grow in Massachusetts ? [davenpokt appears back of wall.] DAVENPORT [Back of ruined post.] I've seen them growing there, under proper condi- tions. But women's hearts, Mr. Preston, are not magnolias, and if they were, I've seen magnolias stifled in Alabama. [Comes into gateway.] PRESTON [ Giving way to R. G. ] Captain Davenport. DAVENPORT [ C] I'm speaking for my young friend here. PRESTON He needs no attorney ; he has spoken for himself. DAVENPORT Then you need one, and I shall speak for you. PRESTON To whom, pray ? DAVENPORT To yourself. [To aemsteong.] And my boy, I can talk more freely with him, if you leave us. ARMSTRONG Thank you, Captain. I prefer to do so. [Exit L. ] DAVENPORT Colonel Preston, there is a great danger of a mistake in this matter. You — and I — are — more nearly — through with — everything, than those young folks are. PRESTON I know my years, Captain Davenport. DAVENPORT Hearts are a little bigger than sectional resentment. PRESTON I don't know that they are, sir. Sectional resent- ment broke my heart. Your North came to my peaceful little corner here, and ruined it. They took my only boy. They impoverished me in possession, and in affection, too. My heart was big enough, sir, but it couldn't keep your cavalry off of my grave- yard. My colored servants loved me, but they have been driven away into vagabondage and theft and ignorance. My boy loved me, too, but — they estranged his love. DAVENPORT Mrs. Page has told me something of him. She says he wrote to you — that you refused to see his letters. PRESTON Mrs. Page should not speak of my affairs to a stranger. I don't care to talk of them, either. I wish 106 to be left alone. I come out here at night because I can be alone. I don't want your railroads, Captain, screaming across my quiet bayou. I don't want any- thing from your people. DAVENPORT [ Crossing to i?.] I respect your feeling in the mat- ter, Colonel Preston, but I can't help thinking it is ypj^^ej^cjiaWie^^that blinds you. Things, some- times, are too personal for a correct appreciation. The North and South were two sections when they were a fortnight's journey apart by stages and canals. But now we may see the sun rise in Pennsylvania, and can take supper the same day in Talladega. It is one country. Alabama sends its cotton to Massa- chusetts — some of it grown very near your grave- yards. The garment you have on was woven twenty miles from Boston. Every summer Georgia puts her watermelons on the New York docks. Pennsylvania builds her furnaces at Birmingham. The North took some of your slaves away — yes — but one freight car is worth a hundred of them at transportation. Our resentment, Colonel Preston, is eighteen years behind the sentiment of the day. PRESTON Mine is not, sir. DAVENPORT I think it is. That little girl loves Mr. Armstrong. 107 He is a manly, worthy suitor, but you are letting the memories of '66 come in between them. PRESTON Memories ? They are realities to me. Do you see that crumbled post? It is leaning on a cannon. Like that, my ruined life has, under it, the realities of that invasion. DAVENPORT [ Crosses L. G. ] I saw the gun. Have you looked at it lately ? PRESTON [C.J Why, sir? DAVENPORT [Drawing away the vines.'] Nature is teaching a lesson from it. See ! a meadow-lark has built her nest in the mouth of this silent cannon. PRESTON Well, sir ? DAVENPORT If it were charged, and had a lanyard on it, this feathered pioneer would Lave some rights we old sol- diers should respect. Colonel Preston, let us be generous to the little girl. 1 08 PRESTON Captain Davenport, you seem incapable of appre- ciating what I feel. I cannot talk to you longer. [Goes B.] DAVENPORT Mr. Preston. PRESTON No — no, sir. [Esdt 22.] DAVENPORT [ C. ] I wonder how much of that I am to blame for. Would it have been better to tell him ? No, that would look like intruding my more immediate right. What is this ? [Looking off.] Carey ! Carey ! [EodfL.] [Enter caeet and dbcatue through gateway.] CAREY [ C] Do not come any further, Uncle Decatur. DECATUR [R. C.~\ It's a almost breakin' de ole man's heart, Miss Carey. CAREY I will come back some time. 109 [JEfoter ARMSTRONG, L. ] ARMSTRONG Carey ! CAREY Mr. Ned. ARMSTRONG We must be quick. The horses are in the lane. CAREY Poor, poor gran'pa ! Be good to him, Decatur. DECATUR Yes, Miss Carey. CAREY The old place never seemed so beautiful before. You are sure, Mr. Ned, we will come back ? ARMSTRONG Quite sure, Carey ! Are you crying ? Do you regret it now ? CAREY No, no. I will go with you. ARMSTRONG I love you, Carey. CAREY Oh, I believe you! Good-by, Decatur. [Takes a letter from her belt.] Tell him not to grieve. Here, take this letter — give it to him in the morning, no DECATUR Yes, Miss Carey ; when he comes to breakfast, an' ax whar you is, Decatur give him this. CAREY Mr. Ned. [Goes to Armstrong.] ARMSTRONG Come, come, little girl ! Good-by, Uncle Decatur. Here's something for your trouble. [ Offers a coin.] DECATUR No, sah — thank you, Mars Armstrong, ole Decatur can't take it. It seems too missionary, sah. CAREY Good-by, Decatur — dear old Decatur ! ARMSTRONG Come! [Starts Z.] DAVENPORT [Re-entering H.] Carey ! [Armstrong and caret turn.] DAVENPORT Come here, my dear. Won't you say good-by to me? CAREY Captain Davenport ! [ Goes to him.] DAVENPORT Decatur ! in DECATUR Mars Davenport ! DAVENPORT Did you know your young mistress was goiDg away? DECATUR Y — yes, sah. DAVENPORT You were helping her ? DECATUR Yes, Mars Davenport ; Decatur certainly was. DAVENPORT Why? DECATUR W— why ? DAVENPORT Yes, why ? DECATUR Because 'Catur loves her, sah. DAVENPORT Why do you love her, Decatur ? DECATUR Why, sah, I'se done raised her. I raised her ma too, e'en most. I loved her ma, too, sah. Miss Carey jis' like her ma used to be. 112 DAVENPORT Give me that letter. That will do. Go to the house. DECATUR Yes, sah. [Exit.] ARMSTRONG Captain Davenport, you do not propose to interfere ■with our movements ? DAVENPORT Yes, Ned, I think — I do. ARMSTRONG I shall not permit it. Carey ! CAREY Mr. Armstrong. [Starting to aemsteong.] DAVENPORT Carey! [She pauses between them.] Carey! [Pauses.] [She goes back to davenport.] You trust me, don't you ? CAREV [Looking up at him, he holding her hand. ] Yes, sir. I — I trust Mr. Armstrong, too, Captain. DAVENPORT That is right. I trust Ned myself. He is very manly and honorable, I think. He won't ask you to go with him. ii3 ARMSTRONG But I do ask it. Carey! [Pause. She looks at Armstrong.] Carey. [Pause, caret looks hypnot- ically to davenport, who is extending his hand — goes to davenport, P. C] Captain Davenport, why do you interfere in this ? DAVENPORT I have the right to do so. ARMSTRONG [i. 0.] You have not the right. You control my services, but you don't control me. I resign from your employ. DAVENPORT I can't allow you to do so. You will need the em- ployment in order to provide, I hope, for this little woman, who is paying you the greatest compliment this life will ever bring you. But, in your impetuous way, you are making it too expensive for her. Carey, you know something of your mother ? CAREY Yes, sir. DAVENPORT She came down to this very gate nineteen years ago, Decatur with her — to meet her husband, not a mere acquaintance of a week. Colonel Preston had forbidden their meeting, and he never allowed her to 114 come into the house again. He relented, but it was too late. The mother was dying. She gave her life to you, little girl. The old man has lavished upon you the tardy tenderness he should have given her. Do not repeat that hurt to him. You are both young. A year or two at most will see his story told. Ned ! ARMSTRONG Captain ! DAVENPORT From Colonel Preston's point of view, we of the North have inflicted grievous wrongs upon him. In his hospitality he has forgotten them sufficiently to make you and me his guests. Let us not justify every adverse opinion by being unwortliy of his trust. Come, tell me you think I'm right. ARMSTRONG [Pause. Advances and shakes hands.} I think you are. Captain. [ Crosses to i?.] DAVENPORT And so you will go back? [To cabby.] CAREY Yes, I will. DAVENPORT That is best. CAREY But — won't you talk to gran'pa, Captain ? "5 DAVENPORT Yes, I will do that. CAREY I'm sure you can tell him. DAVENPORT I do not think words can affect him. He is too in- vulnerable to persuasion. There must be the appeal of some event. Your going would have touched him deeply. "Wait — perhaps you had better ,go ! ARMSTRONG AND CAREY What! DAVENPORT Yes, that is the most direct appeal. I will give this letter to him, and tell him you have gone. ARMSTRONG Do you mean that ? DAVENPORT Not literally. Carey can go to her Cousin Mil- dred. Yes, go there, Carey, and stay to-night. CAREY To Cousin Mildred's ? DAVENPORT Yes, to Cousin Mildred's. CAREY But what will Cousin Mildred say? 116 DAVENPORT Nothing, if you tell her that Captain Davenport told you to come. Do you trust me, dear ? CAREY Yes. I don't know why I do, but I trust you, Captain Davenport. DAVENPORT Bless you, little woman ! [Kisses her forehead.'] Good-night. CAREY " [ Going to wing, L., and stopping.] I — I am afraid. DAVENPORT Of what ? CAREY Afraid to cross the meadow alone. DAVENPORT Ned will go with you. [Pause, Armstrong crosses to caeey — pauses — Returns and takes daven- poet's hand— pause — goes to wing to caeey. armsteong and caeey exeunt — davenport, draws vines and covers bird's nest in the cannon / sits at break in wall, L. C Song off, " I'm goirt back to Dixie." CUBTAIN. 117 ACT IV. Scene: Same as Act II. Lights set for early dawn. Discovered: Squire entering lL.; Moberly, ZL., from behind house. Tlie Squire has a case of pistols under his arm. MOBERLY [R. C. ] Did you discover anyone, Squire ? SQUIRE [X. C] Only the kitchen do' ajar, Colonel, and the fire started. The family evidently not up. MOBERLY It is only five o'clock. SQUIRE Captain Davenport knows the appointed hour, does he not? MOBERLY He arranged it himself. SQUIRE I don't suppose he is alarmed ? 118 MOBERLY He was a Northern officer, Squire, and I never saw one that wasn't brave as Julius Caesar. SQUIRE I think this is the guest chamber on this corner. I will throw some pebbles at the window and arouse him. [Business.] MOBERLY [At table.] That is the most cautious and expedi- tious method. SQUIRE I'm almost afraid o' breaking one. MOBERLY He can't have gone to the grove ? SQUIRE Hardly. If he doesn't come, Colonel, I will repre- sent you. MOBERLY Thank you, Squire; I have every confidence in you. SQUIRE [ C] While you was trying to rest last night, Colo- nel, I sat up by the kitchen fire, an' molded some slugs of augmented size for these dueling pistols. If one of them takes effect, its action will be final, I am sure. 119 MOBERLY You are more than considerate, Squire. SQUIRE Not at all, Colonel. This is a matter in which I believe in the utmost executive clemency. [Places case on table — mobbelt sits at table and produces letters, squire resumes with pebbles — breaks window — enter decatfr up R., with firewood.] DECATUR Momin', Squire Tucker. SQUIRE Mornin', Decatur. We are trying to arouse Captain Davenport. t DECATUR [(?.] Captain Davenport been up fo' more'n hour, sah. Walkin' roun' de bayou an' rubbin his hair. SQUIRE [Z. C] Yo' heah that, Colonel ? MOBERLY Yes, Squire. None of the other members or guests air awake, Decatur ? DECATUR No, sah. MOBERLY Be careful not to disturb them. 120 DECATUR Captain Davenport wake Decatur, sah. 'Taint more'n five o'clock, but I'se made him a cup o' coffee. Yo' all have a cup coffee, sah ? SQUIRE Mother made us some, but we didn't enjoy our ap- petite. Would you like a cup now, Colonel ? MOBERLY I think I would, squire. DECATUR Yes, sah. Decatur bring it right heah, sah. [Exit back of house.] SQUIRE [C] Ef they is any white folks, Colonel, that despise a niggah, it's because they neveh own one, I say. MOBERLY Very true, Squire. SQUIRE Who could be more intelligent or discriminatin' than that old man ? I really believe lie would have voted the Democratic ticket, if permitted to exercise his ballot. [Miter davenport, i?.] DAVENPORT Good-morning, gentlemen. 121 SQUIRE AND MOBERLY Good-morning, Captain. DAVENPORT [Cheerfully.] We see the Bun rise, don't we? MOBERLY Yes, but as Richard says, " where, to-morrow ? " DAVENPORT True. MOBERLY Captain DAVENPORT Colonel MOBERLY [ With papers.] There air some preliminary steps — in case — there should be any accident this morning. DAVENPORT I understand. [ Grosses H. squire sits on steps.] MOBERLY The Squire and I have been up most of the night arranging my affairs. He has witnessed these signa- tures. I admit them in the presence of you both. You can also witness them in — the event of [Passes paper. ] DAVENPORT I understand. 122 MOBERLY [Other papers.] Some provisions fo' iny daughter. I have nominated Mrs. Page as her guardian. DAVENPORT An excellent selection. MOBERLY You air more than kind, sah. I don't know why I should burden you, Captain Davenport, a stranger, with my personal matters - DAVENPORT I beg you, Colonel MOBERLY But your very kindness invites it. DAVENPORT You honor me with any trust. MOBERLY I have nominated Mrs. Page Atlanta's guardian, as an expression of my confidence in her. I very unintentionally affronted her, Captain. Believe me, I esteem her very highly. DAVENPORT I can believe that very readily. MOBERLY She also did me the honah to listen to a proposal of marriage from me, although she subsequently de- clined it. 123 DAVENPORT You have my sympathy, Colonel. MOBERLY It did not distress me, Captain. I had thought it my duty as a gentleman, but my affections had been always more than equally divided toward Mrs. Stockton. DAVENPORT [ Under standingly.] Yes. ' MOBERLY I have left Mrs. Stockton this letter [shows it] saying so, and Mrs. Page, I am sure, will say nothing of — the other mattah. [Passes letter.] DAVENPORT Of course not. MOBERLY [Third letter.] Sere is a letter — that I am unde- cided about. DAVENPORT What is it ? MOBERLY It is to Mrs. Page. She declined my offer, Captain, because she still cherishes a regard for her cousin, Harry Preston, whom she thinks to be living, but whose death I have described in the paper. 124 DAVENPORT Young Preston's death ! Indeed ! MOBERLY [C] Yes, sab. We were young men together, Captain. After she married Page, Mr. Harry Preston also married — married Miss Margery Clayton. I was his best man. DAVENPORT Go on. [Sits on table.] MOBERLY We belonged to the same social organizations. We gave charades and amateur theatricals together. On one occasion, we did the combat scene from Macbeth with great success. He was a West Pointer, and a superb swordsman. SQUIRE I've seen him take a hurdle, sah, over that wall and split a dozen water-melons with his sabah in a ride of fifty yards. MOBERLY Yes, indeed, sah. SQUIRE Every niggah on the plantation loved him. MOBERLY He was very much of your build and deportment, Captain, but a little taller, I should think, Squire ? 125 SQUIRE Half a head, easy. DAVENPORT But his death ? MOBERLY He was with the North, I was with the Confeder- acy. We met at Shavpsburg. I recognized him right before me with his sabah in the air. Why, sah, witli his knowledge of the weapon, I wouldn't V lasted any longer in front of him, than a snow-ball in perdition. He recognized me, too, and as we rode together, he lowered his point to our old position, an' cried " Lay on, Macduff. " We did our old charade combat on that field of wah, befo' the eyes of both commands. DAVENPORT There are many such instances. MOBERLY As we were finessing, two up and two down, this same Raymond Page, who was in my command, rode presumably to my rescue, and struck poor Harry Preston to the earth. We left him dead on the field. DAVENPORT [Significantly, aside.] So it was Raymond Page who killed Harry Preston. 126 [Enter dbcatuk with coffee.] DECATUR Heah you are, gentlemen. Will you all have some cold chicken wif you' coffee ? [Sets coffee on table.] DAVENPORT [.R.] No thank you, Decatur. SQUIRE Well, I wouldn't mind a little bit o' second joint. I go with you, Decatur. [Exit with DECATUR.] DAVENPORT And this letter contains that story ? MOBERLY Yes, sir. Had we not betteh start ? DAVENPORT There is plenty of time. I expect a call here. [Enter latheop hurriedly L. C. ] LATHROP Colonel Moberly — my mother has had a night of mental agony. She has told me the meaning of this meeting. MOBERLY Well, you certainly have no resentment toward me, Lieutenant ? 127 LATHROP Pardon me, if I gave that impression, but this quar- rel is mine. DAVENPORT It is not a matter for your care, my boy. [ Goes up L.~\ LATHROP I think it is. Come — let us go to this meeting. My mother and Mrs. Stockton will be here in a moment to prevent it — I MOBERLY There is a phase you overlook. Your very name, Lie u tenant LATHROP Cannot be in question ! It has been in the care of my mother, a lady above suspicion. It is the insult to her I will resent. DAVENPORT [UpZ.] Colonel, Mr. Page is coming here. I wish to see him alone. [Miter squire with chicken up stage, comes down B. Of LATHEOP. J LATHROP I shall see him first. 128 DAVENPORT No, no. [Hand on lath-rop's breast.] There is no time to lose. Colonel, kindly retire with our young friend. MOBERLY [Taking latheop by the arm.] Come, my boy. LATHROP Let me go ! DAVENPORT Squire ! SQUIRE Come, come, Lieutenant. [Takes him.] LATHROP No, sir. How dare you, Squire Tucker ! Sir ! [mobeelt and squire conduct him out, kicking, L. 3.] [Enter page JR. C] PAGE Captain Davenport ? DAVENPORT [At porch.] Yes, sir. PAGE Well? DAVENPORT I sent for you. I will not waste your time, I 129 represent Colonel Moberly, at present. You are to meet bim this morning. , PAGE I am. DAVENPORT I ask you to apologize to him. PAGE For what ? Colonel Preston's assault ? DAVENPORT For your slander of Colonel Preston's cousin, Mildred Page. PAGE Does he fear the meeting ? DAVENPORT [L. C.~\ No, sir, but he has more at risk than you have. He has a daughter — a reputation for honor. Life means something to him. You are only a black- leg. PAGE [It. C. ] Sir ! Is this your idea — of a second's duty? DAVENPORT I am from the North. The duello does not obtain there. But I am familiar with the code. As I under- , stand it, gentlemen of honor are under no obligation to meet blackmailers and crooks. You are a bribe-taker, 130 Mr. Page — the type of a man we summon the servants to eject. PAGE By God, sah! [Draws pistol, which davenpobt knocks from his arm with his cane as a sword.] DAVENPORT You are a very versatile party, Mr. Page. One doesn't often meet a duelist who will also take the drop on one. And by — the drop — [pointing to pistol and kicking it X.] I mean the accepted inter- pretation. PAGE You called me a bribe-taker, sir. DAVENPORT Yes. Mr. Armstrong gave you my check for one thousand dollars. I redeemed it yesterday from the Talladega Bank. It bears your indorsement. PAGE Are you not also a bribe-giver ? DAVENPORT Yes, sir. In my business I have never yet found a legislative body, however honorable, but there was in it some such moral leper as yourself. You will apol- gize to Colonel Moberly ? PAGE I will meet him, sir, or publish him for a coward, »3* DAVENPORT Tour cause is an unjust one, Mr. Page. Tou know your brother honorably married Mildred Fair- fax. You know their boy is entitled to his name. PAGE I know the contrary. DAVENPORT I saw them married. PAGE You? DAVENPORT I. PAGE What bluff is this ? Who are you, sir ? DAVENPORT Harry Preston. PAGE What ? [Pause.] I deny it. DAVENPORT [Showing forehead.] Your mark — given on the field of Sharpsburg. Mr. Page, the job has changed hands. Mildred Page is to be my wife. I repre- sent the honor of this family. I know you for a blackleg and a liar, but I do not retreat behind that trifling technicality. I will fight you, PAGE You? I3a DAVENPORT I. You know the West Point cadet. Throw a deck of cards in the air, and I will take those dueling pistols and put holes through two of them before they reach the ground. I will place a postage stamp over your heart, and if I don't shoot you through that at twenty paces — the shot don't count. Come! PAGE I have no quarrel with you. DAVENPORT Then you have none at all. PAGE Good-morning, sir. DAVENPORT Stop! You meet me this morning in Bayou Grove, or you apologize to Colonel Moberly, or I publish you for a coward. PAGE Where is he ? DAVENPORT Ah! [Picks up pistol ; calls, "Colonel! Colonel/"] [Enter pbeston.] PRESTON Good-morning, sir! Someone woke me throwing, pebbles at my window. Were you calling ? *33 DAVENPORT Calling Colonel Moberly. [Calls.] Colonel, [Miter mobeelt, squire, and latheop.] Mr. Page wishes to apologize to you and Colonel Preston, and Mrs. Page's son, and withdraw. MOBERLY Well, sir. PAGE Consider that I do so. MOBERLY As a gentleman of honah I must. There is my hand, sah. DAVENPORT [Interposing.] No. Good-morning, sir. PAGE Good-morning. [Exit. ] DAVENPORT You would have regretted it, Colonel. MOBERLY What procured that ? DAVENPORT [C] Certain legal concessions — of mine; nothing, Colonel, feel assured, stultifying to you. MOBERLY I am sure of that, Captain Davenport. [ Crosses to L. C] ?34 PRESTON \L. C] Then, as I understand it, there will be no suit against Mildred ? DAVENPORT None, Colonel Preston, [pebston crosses M. C] [Miter mes. p. and mes. stockton L. of C] MRS. P. [ Coming down C] Oh, what — what has happened ? I saw that man. Harry! PRESTON [H. C] Harry— where? What MRS. P. I meant — Raymond Page. Where is Lathrop ? LATHROP Here, mother. [mes. p. and latheop cross to each other L. C] DAVENPORT [C] Calm yourself, Mrs. Page; there has been no meeting. MRS. P. [Zi. C.~\ It must not take place. DAVENPORT [&] There will be none. MRS. P. Thank God! 135 PRESTON [H. C] Sit down, my friends. There is the morning sun. Take seats. [Miter decatur for coffee cups.] Decatur! [Crosses ft] [davenpobt to mes. p.] DECATUR [H. C] Yes,sah. PRESTON Get breakfast for our friends as quickly as pos- sible. Tell Sadie to help you. DECATUR Yes, sah. PRESTON We'll have something to eat in a few minutes, my friends. Decatur! We can't kill the fatted calf, be- cause we haven't any calf, and we haven't any returned prodigal, but we'll have a chicken or two. Decatur, rap on Miss Carey's door, and tell her to dress as quickly as possible; that our friends honor us with a visit to breakfast. [Crosses R. ft] DECATUR [C] Miss— Miss Carey! PRESTON Certainly — Miss Carey. 136 DECATUR Miss Carey! [Pause. Looks at davenport, who taps him with cane and gives him letter.] PRESTON [Ji. C] What is the matter ? I said Carey. DECATUR [ C] She gimme dis note last night, sah. PRESTON Last night — a note ; I can't see it. Get my spectacles. DECATUR Yes, sah. [Exit.] PRESTON I can't wait. Read it, Mildred. Probably doesn't want to be called, not feeling well. [Goes to table.] MRS. P. [C. Appealingly.] Captain Davenport DAVENPORT [Down L. C] Read it, my dear madam. PRESTON Why, why, what is the matter? MRS. P. Be brave, be brave ! [Meads. J " My Dear Grand- pa : Forgive me ; I know how much I am about to hurt you, but I love you and will come back." 137 PRESTON Come back ! MRS. P. " I am going away. I love Mr. Armstrong almost as much as I love you." PRESTON Armstrong ! My God ! Where is she ? Colonel Moberly MOBERLY Colonel Preston, there is some mistake. Bead on, Mrs. Page. MRS. P. [Looks at davenport, who insists.'] " You do not know how good he is, grandpa, ov you would forgive me. I will — I will come back. God bless and keep you till I come. Tour Carey." PRESTON [Sinking on table.] My God ! My God ! Carey, Carey ! MOBERLY [Crosses up L. C] I will call out the Light Artillery, sir, and place every crossroad under martial law. Lieutenant LATHROP [To moberly.] This is some mistake. 138 DAVENPORT [ft] Lathrop ! [Warning of silence.] Colonel Preston, [mrs. p. goes back of preston.] PRESTON Yes, yes, you gentlemen of the North, the ruin ■wasn't quite complete, was it ? And so you took the little girl. Oh, God forgive me ; was I too proud, was I too harsh ? I hate him, but I would have said "yes," rather than this wrong — rather than this wrong to her. Gone — gone all night — night ? Ah, ah ! the sun can never shine again. MRS. P. Cousin, cousin ! [Enter Armstrong to porch.] Ah [All look at ARMSTRONG, MRS. STOCKTON WOrks H. up stage.] DAVENPORT Mr. Armstrong ! PRESTON [Rising.] Where is she ? Mr. Armstrong, tell me where she is. ARMSTRONG [Looking at davenport.] Why, why — I thought she was here. PRESTON You do not speak the truth. 139 ARMSTRONG That, is, I thought she would be here. PRESTON Would be here ? Where is she ? Where did you take her ? My God ! Will no one make him speak ? [Miter caeet and Atlanta L. C] CAREY Gran'pa — gran'pa, forgive me ! PRESTON [C] Carey! [Embrace.] CAREY [L. C] Gran'pa, gran'pa ! [J&sses him, mes. s. comes dovm i?.] PRESTON Let me look at you. No, no ! no need to ques- tion. The Eastern sky is not more beautiful with truth. Carey, Carey, Carey ! [Fondles her, Armstrong down i.] MRS. P. She has been all night with me. PRESTON And you read that letter ? MRS. P. Tes, because Carey wrote it meaning to go. It might have been so terrible. 140 PRESTON My darling, did you love him so? Mr. Armstrong, we are rich in something besides weeds, you see. Carey, Carey ! [Fondles her.] ARMSTRONG Forgive me, Colonel Preston ; my offense and my atonement are one and the same sentence: I love this little lady. PRESTON [To caret. J And you'd rather have him than your old grandad, would you ? CAREY Not — not for a grandfather, I wouldn't ; but — gran'pa [Sides her/ace.] PRESTON Yes, yes ; I'm an old dolt, I know. CAREY. Tell us you forgive us. [Takes Armstrong's hand.] ARMSTRONG Colonel Preston [Miter DECATUR.] PRESTON [To Armstrong.] I like you, sir, I like you. This is rather manly, I think. My darling ! [Embraces caret again, decatur comes to him C] G/opd- 141 morning, Atlanta. Deuatur, get two more chickens. You'll all stay, won't you ? CAREY I might have gone away, but for Captain Daven- port ; and then he said, " Go to Cousin Mildred's." PRESTON [To table.] Captain Davenport, you take sudden liberties with a stranger's family. DAVENPORT [ C] I approved the union. PRESTON You approved it, sir ? DAVENPORT Yes, in the name of Carey's father. PRESTON [.Rising.] What ! DAVENPORT I had his sanction. PRESTON Carey's father, Harry Preston — my boy ? DAVENPORT Yes, sir. His letter. [Draws letter, moberly drops down H.] PRESTON A letter — to me ? 142 DAVENPORT [ Withholding letter.] To me. Listen, listen, Colonel Preston ! [Heads.] " My Dear Davenport : I am glad young Armstrong likes my daughter Carey." CAREY [Down L.] My father DAVENPORT Your — father, Carey. Listen ! [Heads.] " I ap- prove their union. Say that to them for me." ARMSTRONG Carey? DAVENPORT "Tell my father it is my desire. Ask him to waive his objections." PRESTON My boy says that ? DAVENPORT Yes. [Heads.] "Tell him he does not need the little girl, that I will be with him always in her stead." [Emotion.] PRESTON Go on, sir. [davenpoet watches peeston closely.] DAVENPORT [Inventing, and not reading letter.] I think of him always. Tell him to remember the day he gave me i43 j my pony with the silver tail — the old canoe on the bayou. Tell him I long to put my arm about him, as he so often put his strong one around me. PRESTON Oh, thank God — thank God ! Let me see that, sir. [Miter dbcatub and goes back of table.] I see no lines — Ah, here are my spectacles. Come — come ! But there is nothing there, Captain Davenport. DAVENPORT No, there is nothing there, Colonel Preston. PRESTON [Half guessing the truth.] You were laughing at an old man. DAVENPORT [ Quickly.] I was inventing it. PRESTON [Crescendo.] But you couldn't invent the pony with the silver tail. DAVENPORT [Climax approaching.] I — rode — that pony — that canoe was mine. Why don't you — don't PRESTON [ Climax.] Yes — yes, I know you ! [Embrace] 144 DAVENPORT Dear — dear old father! And we've lost all these years. PRESTON We haven't lost a day. I've • had you with me always. [Joins mrs. p.] MOBERLY [ Crosses H. C] Harry Preston ! DAVENPORT [C, shakes hands — squire pats davenport on back while davenport is shaking hands with MOBERLY. DAVENPORT turns — SQUIRE shakes his hand, and returns to step, wiping his eyes.] Yes, Edgefield, dear old boy, and Squire — Ah, Mildred, Mildred — I have dreamed of this. [moberlt goes H. to mrs.'stockton.] MRS. P. [B. C] And I ! But Carey— Carey. [caret is hysterically speechless.] DAVENPORT [ C] Yes — yes, Carey. [She comes to him.] Don't try to say it, darlirig. I know. It would not be worth the telling if we could speak it. [ Goes up with caret and colonel preston. ] 145 MRS. P. [ C] Colonel, I knew this yesterday, but was under bond of silence. You must have thought me heart- less — but you see MOBERLY [ Coming M. C] You' composure rather heightened my admiration for you. [ Goes JR. again — mes. p. up.] SQUIRE [ Going C. and slowly picking up letter.'] Here is your letter, Captain. DAVENPORT [ Coming down M. C] This is not mine. SQUIRE It's the one you read your father. [ Goes to step.] PRESTON [ Up C] I'd like to keep it. DAVENPORT [Laughing.] I read the blank side only. Why, foi'give me, Colonel, but it was your letter to Mrs. Stockton. [Hands it to her.] MRS. P. AND MRS. S. What? MOBERLY My dear madam — it was written under peculiar conditions. 146 DAVENPORT Yes, when he thought he might be dead before you read it. [ Grosses L. ] MRS. S. [L. of tabic, reading. ,] "Love — of a lifetime — sincere respect." [Speaks.] Why, Colonel, I thought Mrs. Page MOBERLY Yes, yes, Mrs. Stockton ; beauty is easy enough to win, but one isn't loved every day. That was meant to be the statement of a post-mortem. MRS. S. I am glad it is not. [Down H.] MOBERLY [_R. with mes. s. ] You do not know how proud you make me. I would never have dared give you that myself. Captain Davenport, you can send the rail- road any way you like, and I suppose now it will cross Mrs. Page's land, but I am richer in this possession. PRESTON The railroad DAVENPORT [C] Shall not disturb you, father. I meant it only for your good, but I am with you now. Ned 147 ARMSTRONG Captain ! DAVENPORT Direct the survey by the way of Mrs. Stockton's. [mobeely bows."] If you want an interest in it, Mildred, it must be through Lathrop and Atlanta. MRS. P. [ Up L. C.J They have my consent. SQUIRE [After pause and survey of all others paired/] Well — perhaps it wouldn't 'a' been for the best — with mother leanin' on me. CURTAIN.