KERCHIVAL. You and I are officers in the same regiment of the United States Regular Army, Robert; we were classmates at West Point, and we have fought side by side on the plains. You saved my scalp once; I'd have to wear a wig, now, if you hadn't. I say, old boy, are we to be enemies? ELLINGHAM. [_Laying his hand over his shoulder._] My dear old comrade, whatever else comes, our friendship shall be unbroken! KERCHIVAL. Bob! [_Looking up at him._] I only hope that we shall never meet in battle! ELLINGHAM. In battle? [_Stepping down front._] The idea is horrible! KERCHIVAL. [_Rising and crossing to him._] My dear old comrade, one of us will be wrong in this great fight, but we shall both be honest in it. [_Gives hand_, ELLINGHAM _grasps it warmly, then turns away._ ELLINGHAM. Colonel Haverill is watching the forts, also; he has been as sad to-night as we have. Next to leaving you, my greatest regret is that I must resign from his regiment. KERCHIVAL. You are his favourite officer. ELLINGHAM. Naturally, perhaps; he was my guardian. _Enter_ HAVERILL. _He walks down, stopping centre._ HAVERILL. Kerchival! I secured the necessary passports? to the North yesterday afternoon; this one is yours; I brought it down for you early in the evening. [KERCHIVAL _takes paper. Goes to window._] I am ordered direct to Washington at once, and shall start with Mrs. Haverill this forenoon. You will report to Captain Lyon, of the 2d Regiment, in St. Louis. Robert! I have hoped for peace to the last, but it is hoping against hope. I feel certain, now, that the fatal blow will be struck this morning. Our old regiment is already broken up, and you, also, will now resign, I suppose, like nearly all your fellow-Southerners in the service. ELLINGHAM. You know how sorry I am to leave your command, Colonel! HAVERILL. I served under your father in Mexico; he left me, at his death, the guardian of you and your sister, Gertrude. Even since you became of age, I have felt that I stood in his place. But you must be your sister's only guardian now. Your father fell in battle, fighting for our common country, but you-- ELLINGHAM. He would have done as I shall do, had he lived. He was a Virginian! HAVERILL. I am glad, Robert, that he was never called upon to decide between two flags. He never knew but one, and we fought under it together. [_Exit._ ELLINGHAM. Kerchival! Something occurred in this house to-night which--which I shouldn't mention under ordinary circumstances, but I--I feel that it may require my further attention, and you, perhaps, can be of service to me. Mrs. Haverill, the wife of the Colonel-- KERCHIVAL. Fainted away in her room. ELLINGHAM. You know? KERCHIVAL. I was one of the actors in the little drama. ELLINGHAM. Indeed!