JENNY. I mean this--[_Reaching up her face, he leans down, placing his ear near her lips._]--somebody else's sister! When she first sees you, be near enough to catch her. ELLINGHAM. I understand you! Madeline! [_Exit on veranda._ JENNY _runs up steps after him, stops and looks back at_ HEARTSEASE _over the railing._ HEARTSEASE _takes a lace handkerchief from his pocket._ JENNY. I do believe that's my handkerchief. [A GUARD OF SENTRIES _marches in and across stage in road. The_ CORPORAL _in command orders halt and a_ SENTRY _to post, then marches_ GUARD _out. The_ SENTRY _stands with his back to audience, afterwards moving out, appearing and disappearing during Act._ HEARTSEASE. Miss Buckthorn! I owe you an apology. After I left your side, the last time we met, I found your handkerchief in my possession. I assure you, it was an accident. JENNY. [_Aside, pouting._] I thought he _intended_ to steal it. [_Aloud._] That was more than a year ago. [_Then brightly._] Do you always carry it with you? HEARTSEASE. Always; there. [_Indicating his left breast pocket._ JENNY. Next to his heart! HEARTSEASE. Shall I return it to you? JENNY. Oh, if a lace handkerchief can be of any use to you, Captain, during the hardships of a campaign--you--you may keep that one. You soldiers have so few comforts--and it's real lace. HEARTSEASE. Thank you. [_Returning handkerchief to his pocket._] Miss Buckthorn, your papa is in command of the Nineteenth Army Corps. He doesn't like me. JENNY. I know it. HEARTSEASE. But you are in command of him, JENNY. Yes; I always have been. HEARTSEASE. If ever you decide to assume command of any other man, I--I trust you will give _me_ your orders. JENNY. [_Aside, starting back._] If that was intended for a proposal, it's the queerest-shaped one I ever heard of. [_Aloud._] Do you mean, Captain, that--that you--I must command myself now. [_Shouldering her parasol._] 'Bout--face! March! [_Turning squarely around, marches up and out on veranda._ HEARTSEASE. I have been placed on waiting orders. [_Stepping up and looking after her; then very quietly and without emotion._] I am in an agony of suspense. The sight of that girl always arouses the strongest emotions of my nature. [_Enter_ COLONEL KERCHIVAL WEST, _looking at paper in his hand. The_ SENTINEL, _in road, comes to a salute._] Colonel West! KERCHIVAL. Captain! HEARTSEASE. You have rejoined the regiment sooner than we expected. KERCHIVAL. [_Looking at paper._] Yes; General Haverill is to meet me here at seven o'clock. Major Wilson tells me that some of your company captured Colonel Robert Ellingham, of the Tenth Virginia. HEARTSEASE. He is here under parole.