Bev. Mother, if they come, it's sure to be across the orchard,
then up the road through the wood. Cupid, you go and watch: and if you
see a sign of any one, come tell us. Quick!

Mrs. S. If it's your Master, bring him here--in through the
window of Bev's room. Keep away from the front of the house.

Cupid. Yes, Mistis. Dis ole fool nigger can do dat.

[Exit.

Mrs. S. (comes gently to Fair who stands looking down with a
drawn look of suffering). Fair, my baby child, would it not have been
better--could it have been easier--had you told me.

Fair. (coming to her arms). I meant to tell you mother--but, oh!
I was afraid. The old days seemed so far away, and I so weak and
foolish! And then he went into the army and came down here in arms
against his people! The night you went to George, he asked me, and--I
told a lie! I said I did not love him. But to-night, with the wild
chance of saving Carter (she looks up into her mother's face and
smiles), I told the truth!

Mrs. S. (softly kissing her). And it was best. My heart's own
child! Your only happiness was there.

Char. (who has stood by the window listening). Best! What do we
know about things that are best? And love and truth--what do we know of
these? Are they not torn from us, trampled down, ground beneath our
feet? And happiness--is it for us? Ah! no, no. For, are not our hearts