GERTRUDE. You Northern men are so slow to-- KERCHIVAL. I have been slow; but I assure you, Miss Gertrude, that my heart-- GERTRUDE. What subject are we on now? KERCHIVAL. You were complaining because I was too slow. GERTRUDE. I was doing nothing of the kind, sir!--let me finish, please. You Northern men are so slow to believe that our Southern heroes--Northern _men_ and Southern _heroes_--you recognize the distinction I make--you won't believe that they will keep their promises. They have sworn to attack Fort Sumter this morning, and--they--will do it. This "American Flag" you talk of is no longer our flag: it is foreign to us!--It is the flag of an enemy! KERCHIVAL. [_Tenderly and earnestly._] Am I your enemy? GERTRUDE. You have told me that you will return to the North, and take the field. KERCHIVAL. Yes, I will. [_Decisively._ GERTRUDE. You will be fighting against my friends, against my own brother, against me. We _shall_ be enemies. KERCHIVAL. [_Firmly_.] Even that, Gertrude--[_She looks around at him; he looks squarely into her eyes as he proceeds._]--if you will have it so. If my country needs my services, I shall not refuse them, though it makes us enemies! [_She wavers a moment, under strong emotion, and turns away; sinks upon the seat, her elbow on the back of it, and her tightly-clenched fist against her cheek, looking away from him._ GERTRUDE. I will have it so! I am a Southern woman! KERCHIVAL. We have more at stake between us, this morning, than a cigar-case and a box of gloves. [_Turning up stage._ _Enter_ MRS. HAVERILL _from apartment_. MRS. HAVERILL. Mr. West! I've been looking for you. I have a favour to ask. KERCHIVAL. Of me?--with pleasure. MRS. HAVERILL. But I am sorry to have interrupted you and Gertrude. [_Apart._] There are tears in your eyes, Gertrude, dear! GERTRUDE. [_Apart._] They have no right there. MRS. HAVERILL. [_Apart._] I'm afraid I know what has happened. A quarrel! and you are to part with each other so soon. Do not let a girl's coquetry trifle with her heart until it is too late. You remember the confession you made to me last night? GERTRUDE. [_Apart._] Constance! [_Starting._] That is my secret; more a secret now than ever. MRS. HAVERILL. [_Apart._] Yes, dear; but you do love him. [GERTRUDE _moves away._ GERTRUDE. You need not ride over with me, Mr. West. KERCHIVAL. I can be ready in one moment. GERTRUDE. I choose to go alone! Old Pete will be with me; and Jack, himself, is a charming companion. KERCHIVAL. If you prefer Jack's company to mine-- GERTRUDE. I do. [_Exit on veranda and down right._ KERCHIVAL. Damn Jack! But you will let me assist you to mount. [_Exit after her._