MRS. HAVERILL. I know him so well--[_Rising._]--the unyielding pride, that conquers even the deep tenderness of his nature. He can be silent, though his own heart is breaking. [_Aside._] He can be silent, too, though _my_ heart is breaking. [_Dropping her face in her hand._
EDITH. _Mother!_ [_Putting her arm about her._
MRS. HAVERILL. [_Taking note. Aside._] He has answered me. [_Opens and reads; inclines her head to_ JANNETTE, _who goes out to hall. Aloud._] General Haverill will be here this afternoon, Edith. [_Exit up the stairs._
EDITH. There is something that she cannot confide to me, or to anyone. General Haverill returned to Washington yesterday, and he has not been here yet. He will be here to-day. I always tremble when I think of meeting him.
BUCKTHORN. Come right in; this way, Barket. Ah, Edith!
BARKET. [_Entering._] As I was saying, sur--just after the battle of Sayder Creek began--
BUCKTHORN. [_To_ EDITH.] More good news! The war is, indeed, over, now!
BARKET. Whin Colonel Wist rode to the front to mate his raytrating rigiment--
BUCKTHORN. General Johnson has surrendered his army, also; and that, of course, does end the war.
EDITH. I'm very glad that all the fighting is over.
BUCKTHORN. So am I; but my occupation, and old Barket's, too, is gone. Always at work on new clothes for our little soldier?
EDITH. He's growing so, I can hardly make them fast enough for him. But this is the time for his afternoon nap. I must go now, to see if he is sleeping soundly.
BUCKTHORN. Our dear little mother! [_Tapping her chin._] I always claim the privilege of my white hair, you know. [_She, puts up her lips; he kisses her. She goes out._] The sweetest young widow I ever saw! [BARKET _coughs._ BUCKTHORN _turns sharply;_ BARKET _salutes._] Well! What the devil are you thinking about now?
BARKET. The ould time, sur. Yer honour used to claim the same privilege for brown hair.
BUCKTHORN. You old rascal! What a memory you have! You were telling me for the hundredth time about the battle of Cedar Creek; go on. I can never hear it often enough. Kerchival West was a favourite of mine, poor fellow!
BARKET. Just afther the battle of Sayder Creek began, when the Colonel rode to the front to mate his raytrating rigiment--