GERTRUDE. [_Aside._] Jenny's father! [BUCKTHORN _glances at_ GERTRUDE,
_who still stands looking away. He moves down to_ KERCHIVAL.

BUCKTHORN. [_Apart, gruffly._] I was passing with my staff, and I
was informed that you had captured a woman bearing despatches to the
enemy. Is this the one?

KERCHIVAL. Yes, General.

BUCKTHORN. Ah! [_Turning, looks at her._

GERTRUDE. I wonder if he will recognize me. He hasn't seen me since I
was a little girl. [_Turns toward, him._

BUCKTHORN. [_Turning to_ KERCHIVAL; _punches him in the ribs._] Fine
young woman!--[_Turns and bows to her very gallantly, removing his
hat. She bows deeply in return._] A-h-e-m! [_Suddenly pulling himself
up to a stern, military air; then gruffly to_ KERCHIVAL, _extending
his hand._] Let me see the despatches.

KERCHIVAL. She declines positively to give them up.

BUCKTHORN. Oh! Does she? [_Walks thoughtfully; turns._] My dear young
lady! I trust you will give us no further trouble. Kindly let us have
those despatches.

GERTRUDE. [_Looking away._] I have no despatches, and I would not give
them to you if I had.

BUCKTHORN. What! You defy my authority? Colonel West, I command you!