Mrs. S. The fighting can't last long, so few men are engaged. But
those who are will need our aid if they are wounded. Come in; we'll be
prepared to help.

Char. (at the gate, looking off to where the shots are heard).
I cannot go inside--I cannot.

Mrs. S. (her arm around Charlotte). Please God, he'll come back
to you, dear.

[She exits into house with Marthy and Cupid, while Fair and Bev
remain with Charlotte at the gate.

Bev. The firing's stopped; 'twas only a skirmish. Our men ought
to be safe by now. Winthrop had only a few men with him, reconnoitering.

Fair. He--didn't have time to get into the fight, did he?

Bev. I suppose not. The men went first.

Fair. Ah--

[Re-enter Mrs. S. with Cupid and Marthy from the house.

Mrs. S. The fight could not have been more than a mile away.
We'll have some news before so very long.

Bev. Oh, let me, mother; I'll ride down and see.

Mrs. S. No, Bevie, no. You must stay here. We have you yet.