HAVERILL. It might have lain in the grave of Kerchival West!
HAVERILL. Not in my son's. I found it upon _his_ breast. [_She turns front, dazed._] Well! I am listening! It was not I that sought this interview, Madam; and if you prefer to remain silent, I will go. You know, now, why I have been silent so long.
MRS. HAVERILL. My only witnesses to the truth are both dead. I shall remain silent. [_Turning towards him._] We stand before each other, living, but not so happy as they. We are parted, forever. Even if you should accept my unsupported word--if I could so far forget my pride as to give it to you--suspicion would still hang between us. I remain silent. [HAVERILL _looks at her, earnestly, for a moment; then approaches her._
HAVERILL. I cannot look into your eyes and not see truth and loyalty there. Constance!
MRS. HAVERILL. No, John! [_Checking him._] I will not accept your blind faith!
HAVERILL. [_Looking down at the picture in his hand._] My faith is blind; blind as my love! I do not wish to see! [_Enter_ EDITH. _She stops; looks at_ HAVERILL. _He raises his head and looks at her._
EDITH. This is General Haverill? [_Dropping her eyes._] I am Edith, sir.
HAVERILL. [_Gently._] My son's wife. [_Kisses her forehead._] You shall take the place he once filled in my heart. His crime and his disgrace are buried in a distant grave.
EDITH. And you have not forgiven him, even yet?
MRS. HAVERILL. Is there no atonement for poor Frank's sin--not even his death? Can you only bury the wrong and forget the good?
MRS. HAVERILL. Your own words to the Government, as his commander!
MRS. HAVERILL. "The victory of Cedar Creek would have been impossible without the sacrifice of this young officer."
EDITH. "His name must take its place, forever, in the roll of names which his countrymen honour."
MRS. HAVERILL. Haverill! You did not know?
EDITH. You did not receive mother's letter?--after his death?
HAVERILL. My son! [_Sinking upon chair or ottoman._] I left him alone in his grave, unknown; but my tears fell for him then, as they do now. He died before I reached him.
EDITH. Father! [_Laying her hand gently on his shoulder._] You shall see Frank's face again. His little son is lying asleep upstairs; and when he wakes up, Frank's own eyes will look into yours. I have just received his last message. I will read it to you. [_Note-book. Reads._] "Tell our little son how his father died, not how he lived. And tell her who filled my own mother's place so lovingly." [_She looks at_ MRS. HAVERILL, _moves to her and hides her face in her bosom._] My mother!