The Southern Cross Part 12

Mrs. S. Your right has always been our greatest pleasure. But the room here is a poor place in its condition. Fair, take them to the dining room. It is better there.

Fair. Yes, yes; come with me.

Winth. Surely there is something we can do to make amends for this. (He looks about the room). And surely in return for your great kindness, you will allow--

Mrs. S. No, no; I tell you, you must think no more of that. We are your friends now, your kinsmen. There is nothing you can do, for you have done enough. I pray now you will go with Fair into the dining room and let her offer you refreshment. And Mr. Hopkins, you must go with them. We'll come, in just a moment.

Hop. Certainly, madam.

[He starts to the door.

Winth. I am distressed beyond all words to see this condition of your home. (He comes to the sofa, very near the chair). You must let my company have your furniture repaired. Too bad. Too bad.

[He looks at the other things.

Mrs. S. (almost hysterical). Believe me this does not matter.

Now, if you will let Fair take you to the dining room--

Winth. You'll come with us, Miss Charlotte?

Char. In just a moment, sir.

[He starts to the door. The sofa is partially before him.

He turns and comes in front of the chair where Carter is concealed.

Winth. (stops with a great start, gazing at Carter). My G.o.d!

[Charlotte shrinks back, wild with terror. Hopkins turns at door.

Hop. (coming forward quickly). What is it?

[Carter rises from the chair, despairing, yet with simple dignity.

Carter. I surrender, sir!

Hop. Hillary! (He turns to Winthrop). It is--

Winth. The worst!

[Charlotte comes slowly before Winthrop. She is very white.

She tries to speak, but her lips give no sound. She comes nearer.

Char. My brother! In G.o.d's name what will you do? (Winthrop turns away). Speak! What will it mean?

Winth. (slowly, with a tremendous effort). That we--

Char. The worst!

Winth. The best that I can do.

Char. (a wild gleam of hope in her face). You will save him. You can do this for us; say he will live; we ask no more than that. His life--you hear--his life; give that to me!

Carter (gently putting his arm around her). Hush, dearest. That must be enough. I am his prisoner. You must not ask for that which in honor he must refuse.

Char. (breaking wildly from him). You hear, mother; Fair, you hear. Speak to him. Ah, he cannot refuse. Speak to him. Down on your knees, if it must be. Mother, go to him. It is my brother's life!

Hop. (to Winthrop). There's nothing else--for us?

Winth. Our duty. Help me, boy. G.o.d knows I need it.

Mrs. S. (coming before Winthrop; speaking in a low, strained voice). We await your pleasure. Is there nothing you can do? In the happy memory of the days that are not deeply buried in the past, in memory of the love we bore to you; in memory of the state that gave you birth--and that has always held a home for you; in memory of all this, say what you can do for us. If you take him, then tear out our hearts and take them too. Oh, surely, there is something you can do. Speak now, for those who are your kinsmen and have loved you await your answer.

[Winthrop has stood gazing off before him, his hands clenched at his side. Breathing heavily he turns to them.

Winth. My duty to the country that has put her trust in me must give your answer, not my heart, for that seems dead (slowly). He must go with me.

Char. Ah!

[Winthrop, after his answer, has stood gazing off before him.

Fair comes timidly forward, but he does not hear her. She softly lays her hand upon his arm. He looks down, sees her, and suddenly a radiant glow of happiness crosses his face, then vanishes, leaving it cold as before. Fair looks up into his face, then softly lays her other hand in his.

Fair. But--if--I love you, Steve?

Winth. (softly takes her in his arms, bending close over her).

Even though you love me (Fair shrinks away from him. He turns to Hopkins: when he speaks his voice has a mechanical, hollow sound). Back to the camp; Mr. Hillary will accompany us.

Hillary. I am ready sir.

[He goes to the door with Hopkins. Charlotte, with a wild cry of "No, no!" rushes to him, throwing her arms around his neck.

He softly kisses her, then hands her over to Mrs. S., who takes her in her arms. He then turns to Hopkins, making a sign of a.s.sent, and together they leave the room, followed by Winthrop.

Cupid (coming slowly forward, a haggard look on his face). Mistis (almost pleading) Mistis! Kin you forgib dis old fool n.i.g.g.e.r? I thought hit ud cheer you ter see um. Fo Gaud I never thought of Marster Carter coming here. Fo Gaud I never!

Mrs. S. We do not blame you. How could we have known. How could we?

Char. (raising her face). There's father yet and Gordon. They may come at any minute. We must save them. How, How; what can we do; what can we do?

[She crosses to the window, her hands pressed to her head.

Bev. Mother, if they come, it's sure to be across the orchard, then up the road through the wood. Cupid, you go and watch: and if you see a sign of any one, come tell us. Quick!

Mrs. S. If it's your Master, bring him here--in through the window of Bev's room. Keep away from the front of the house.

Cupid. Yes, Mistis. Dis ole fool n.i.g.g.e.r can do dat.

[Exit.

Mrs. S. (comes gently to Fair who stands looking down with a drawn look of suffering). Fair, my baby child, would it not have been better--could it have been easier--had you told me.