GERTRUDE. He was captured at the battle of Fair Oaks, but I recognized
him the moment I saw him; and I am sure he knew me, too, when I
went up to him. He whinnied and looked so happy. You are in command
here--[_Running down._]--you will compel them to give him up to me?

KERCHIVAL. If he is in my command, your pet shall be returned to you.
I'll give one of my own horses to the Government as a substitute, if
necessary.

GERTRUDE. Oh, thank you, my dear Kerchival! [_Going to him; he takes
her hand, looking into her eyes._] I--I could almost--

KERCHIVAL. Can you almost confess, at last, Gertrude, that you--love
me? [_Tenderly; she draws back, hanging her head, but leaving her hand
in his._] Have I been wrong? I felt that that confession was hovering
on your tongue when we were separated in Charleston. Have I seen that
confession in your eyes since we met again to-day--even among the
angry flashes which they have shot out at me? During all this terrible
war--in the camp and the trench--in the battle--I have dreamed of a
meeting like this. You are still silent? [_Her hand is still in his.
She is looking down. A smile steals over her face, and she raises her
eyes to his, taking his hand in both her own._

GERTRUDE. Kerchival! I--[_Enter_ BENSON. _She looks around over her
shoulder._ KERCHIVAL _looks up stage. A_ TROOPER, _leading the large
black horse of Act I, now caparisoned in military saddle, bridle, &c.,
follows_ BENSON _across; another_ TROOPER _follows._] Jack! [_She runs
up stage, meeting horse._ KERCHIVAL _turns._