ANDERSON. Not vain, my boy. It takes all sorts to make a world—saints as well as soldiers. (_Turning to Burgoyne_) And now, General, time presses; and America is in a hurry. Have you realized that though you may occupy towns and win battles, you cannot conquer a nation?
BURGOYNE. My good sir, without a Conquest you cannot have an aristocracy. Come and settle the matter at my quarters.
ANDERSON. At your service, sir. (_To Richard_) See Judith home for me, will you, my boy? (_He hands her over to him._) Now General. (_He goes busily up the market place towards the Town Hall, Leaving Judith and Richard together. Burgoyne follows him a step or two; then checks himself and turns to Richard._)
BURGOYNE. Oh, by the way, Mr. Dudgeon, I shall be glad to see you at lunch at half-past one. (_He pauses a moment, and adds, with politely veiled slyness_) Bring Mrs. Anderson, if she will be so good. (_To Swindon, who is fuming_) Take it quietly, Major Swindon: your friend the British soldier can stand up to anything except the British War Office. (_He follows Anderson._)
THE SERGEANT. (_to Swindon_). What orders, sir?
SWINDON. (_savagely_). Orders! What use are orders now? There’s no army. Back to quarters; and be d— (_He turns on his heel and goes._)
THE SERGEANT. (_pugnacious and patriotic, repudiating the idea of defeat_). ’Tention. Now then: cock up your chins, and show ’em you don’t care a damn for ’em. Slope arms! Fours! Wheel! Quick march!
The drum marks time with a tremendous bang; the band strikes up British Grenadiers; and the sergeant, Brudenell, and the English troops march off defiantly to their quarters. The townsfolk press in behind, and follow them up the market, jeering at them; and the town band, a very primitive affair, brings up the rear, playing Yankee Doodle. Essie, who comes in with them, runs to Richard.
RICHARD. (_good-humoredly, but wilfully_). Now, now: come, come! I don’t mind being hanged; but I will not be cried over.
ESSIE. No, I promise. I’ll be good. (_She tries to restrain her tears, but cannot._) I—I want to see where the soldiers are going to. (_She goes a little way up the market, pretending to look after the crowd._)
JUDITH. Promise me you will never tell him.