saddles! [_Imitates No._ 16.] Mount! [_Imitates No._ 37.] I wish I was
in command of the regiment. It was born in me. [_Trumpet Signal No._
48, _without._] Fours right! There they go! Look at those horses'
ears! [_Trumpet Signal No._ 39, _without._] Forward. [_Military band
heard without--"The Battle Cry of Freedom"_ JENNY _takes attitude of
holding bridle and trotting._] Rappity--plap--plap--plap, etc. [_She
imitates the motions of a soldier on horseback, stepping down to rock
at side of post; thence to ground and about stage, with the various
curvettings of a spirited horse. Chorus of soldiers without, with the
band. The music becomes more and more distant._ JENNY _gradually stops
as the music is dying away, and stands, listening. As it dies entirely
away, she suddenly starts to an enthusiastic attitude._] Ah! If I were
only a man! The enemy! On Third Battalion, left, front, into line,
march! Draw sabres! Charge! [_Imitates Trumpet Signal No._ 44. _As
she finishes, she rises to her full height, with both arms raised,
and trembling with enthusiasm._] Ah! [_She suddenly drops her arms and
changes to an attitude and expression of disappointment--pouting._]
And the first time Old Margery took me to papa, in her arms, she had
to tell him I was a girl. Papa was as much disgusted as I was. But
he'd never admit it; he says I'm as good a soldier as any of 'em--just
as I am.

_Enter_ BARKET _on veranda, his arm in a sling._

BARKET. [_On veranda_] Miss Jenny!

JENNY. Barket! The regiment has marched away to the front, and we
girls are left here, with just you and a corporal's guard to look
after us.