JENNY. Cavalry! That's the branch of the service I was born in; I was in a fort at the time--on the Plains. Sergeant Barket always said that my first baby squall was a command to the garrison; if any officer or soldier, from my father down, failed to obey my orders, I court-martialed him on the spot. I'll make 'em pass in review. [_Jumping up on the rustic seat._] Yes! [_Looking off._] There's Captain Heartsease himself, at the head of the first troop. Draw sabre! [_With parasol._] Present! [_Imitating the action. Music. The band and chorus now full and loud; she swings parasol in time. Trumpet Signal No. 40. Band and chorus suddenly cease._] Halt! Why, they are stopping here. [_Trumpet Signal No. 38._] Dismount! I--I wonder if they are going to--I do believe--[_Looking left eagerly. Trumpet Signal No. 17._] Assembly of Guard Details! As sure as fate, they are going into camp here. We girls will have a jolly time. [_Jumping down._] Ha--ha--ha--ha! Let me see. How shall I receive Captain Heartsease? He deserves a court-martial, for he stole my lace handkerchief--at Mrs. Grayson's reception--in Washington. He was called away by orders to the West that very night, and we haven't met since. [_Sighs._] He's been in lots of battles since then; I suppose he's forgotten all about the handkerchief. We girls, at home, don't forget such things. We aren't in battles. All we do is to--to scrape lint and flirt with other officers. _Enter_ CAPTAIN HEARTSEASE, _followed by_ COLONEL ROBERT ELLINGHAM; _stops at gate._ HEARTSEASE. This way, Colonel Ellingham. [_They enter. As they come down,_ HEARTSEASE _stops suddenly, looking at_ JENNY; _puts up his glasses._] Miss Buckthorn! JENNY. Captain Heartsease! HEARTSEASE. [_Very quietly and with perfect composure._] I am thunderstruck. The unexpected sight of you has thrown me into a fever of excitement. JENNY. Has it? [_Aside._] If he gets so excited as that in battle, it must be awful. [_Aloud._] Colonel Ellingham! [_Crossing to him._ ELLINGHAM. Miss Buckthorn! You are visiting my sister? I am what may be called a visitor--by force--myself. JENNY. Oh! You're a prisoner! ELLINGHAM. I ventured too far within the Union lines to-night, and they have picked me up. But Major Wilson has kindly accepted my parole, and I shall make the best of it. JENNY. Is Major Wilson in command of the regiment? HEARTSEASE. Yes. Colonel West is to join us at this point, during the evening. ELLINGHAM. I am very glad you are here, Miss Buckthorn, with Gertrude. JENNY. Somebody here will be delighted to see you, Colonel. ELLINGHAM. My sister can hardly be pleased to see me as a prisoner. JENNY. Not your sister. [_Passing him and crossing to veranda, turns and beckons to him. She motions with her thumb over her shoulder. He goes up the steps of the veranda and turns._ ELLINGHAM. What do you mean?