can't bear to have us mention his leaving us again.

Bev. Why, I had hoped to go back with him; I hate to be young.
Why, Fair, do you know sometimes I feel so crazy to go off with the army
I believe I'll run away, except--

Fair. Yes, I know; you mean mother. When father and George are
gone, we're all she's got.

Bev. I wish I'd been twins; then one of me could go.

[Fair laughs.

Fair. But if you had been, 'twould be just twice as hard for us
to give you up.

Bev. I say, let's go find father. They're walking in the lane
down past the quarters.

[Fair hesitates.

Fair. You go, Bev; I'll meet you near the gate. (She smiles at
him). I'm tired, I reckon.

Bev (slightly disappointed). I won't go unless you come.

Fair (sits quietly for a moment, then looks up quickly at him).
Go on, Bev, don't mind if I stay here. (A slight pause). Was there any
news to-day?

Bev. Nothing new. But won't it be splendid if General Morgan
brings his camp near enough for George and Carter and Gordon all to come
by and see us. Gee! I wish they'd come.

Fair. Oh, Bev, do you think they could? 'Twould seem too good to
be true. (She is silent for a moment). Bev, did you know Stephen
Winthrop and his command had been ordered to the South? Doesn't it seem
strange for a man with Southern blood to fight against his people? Of
course he is our cousin, and that ought to make some difference, and
then he was raised in the North with only visits here. And I suppose--I
suppose its natural, but then--I wish--Oh, I wish it were different.

Bev. I don't feel like he was our cousin any more. Didn't it seem
strange that he and Mr. Hopkins should have visited here just before the
war? I liked them fine. I believe I liked Hopkins best. I was awful
sorry when they went away.

Fair (quietly, without looking at him). Does that seem very long
ago to you, Bev?

Bev (surprised). Why, no: not longer than it was.

Fair. I was thinking--I can't help wondering if we shall ever see
him again.

Bev. Who do you mean, Hopkins?

Fair (softly). No; Steve!

Bev. We may, though I hope not.

Fair (surprised). Why?

Bev. He'd be our enemy now.

[Fair seems greatly troubled.

Fair. Somehow I can't help thinking that we shall see him again.
I often wonder if he's changed. He seemed so differen