Bev (quietly). I'll stay, mother.

Char. (who has been straining her eyes through the dusk, turns
quickly). I hear a horse; it's running. Ah, God! let this be news.

[Horse's hoofs are heard rapidly approaching.

Fair. It cannot be so soon.

Bev. It is; it is. He's coming up the avenue. It's Winthrop. He's
riding for his life!

Fair. Steve! For his life--God!

[The horse's hoofs stop; enter Winthrop hurriedly.

Winth. (removing hat). I grieve to tell you, madam, that your son
George is badly wounded. You must go to him at once.

Char. George! Come, mother; come while there is time!

Winth. I met a man sent back to say it was only a skirmish. All
save a few escaped. But your son was the first man in the attack.

Mrs. S. (to Cupid). Get me the carriage.

[Exit hurriedly Cupid and Marthy.

Bev. In a second, mother.