_Rob._ Yes: 'twas sold at auction six months ago. _Hiram._ Exactly. Sh—it's mine: I bought it. _Rob._ You? why, 'twas knocked down to Crane! _Hiram._ Yes; and Crane crooked his long neck round, and took his cue from me. I bought it: my money paid for it. Never you mind where the money came from; it was an honest purchase. Now you're in trouble: you want a home. Take mine, and welcome; only don't let the old man dream I'm its owner. Crane holds it now; but, when I am free, 'twill be known as my property. Will you have it? Not a cent will I take for it until the war is over. It's a pretty place: not much land; but flowers, good gracious! and woodbine, why, the front is completely covered. Will you take it? Quick! the old man will return, and then I am a boy again. _Rob_ (_takes his hand_). Hiram, you're a man: you are a true friend. Thank you: I will accept your offer. _Mattie._ O Hiram! I've treated you shamefully. Forgive me: I never dreamed you had such a noble heart. _Hiram._ I haven't any heart, Mattie: you had it all long ago. So you'll take the place (_enter Gaylie_ R.), and be my tenant until the war is over. Sh—sh! not a word! _Gaylie._ You're too late, conspirators: I have heard all. Rob, you have found a home? _Rob._ Yes, Gaylie, thanks to a true friend. _Hiram._ Sh—not so loud; the old man drops round mighty sudden. _Gaylie._ Rob, you have done this without consulting me. Why am I shut out from your counsel? _Rob._ Ah, Gaylie! you cannot befriend me. You are not of age, and I will not be indebted to your guardian. _Gaylie._ Tell me, why have you quarrelled with my guardian? What means this enmity between you and him? _Rob._ Gaylie, you must not ask me. _Gaylie._ But I must know: you have no right to keep it from me. _Rob._ I cannot tell you, Gaylie. Let it suffice, we are enemies; that he would do much to crush me and mine. _Gaylie._ Let him dare! I stand between you and him. You go to battle in a noble cause: fear not; if he has the will to wrong the dear ones you leave behind, I have the power to crush him, and I will. Face the enemy in the South with a brave heart, Rob. Against the enemy here, I will be the Home-Guard. _Rob._ You, Gaylie? what can you do, little woman? _Gaylie._ Woman's work. Think you we will sit idle at home, while husbands, fathers, brothers, are in the field? No! there is work for tender hands and willing hearts. To care for the needy, to protect the helpless, at home; to heal the wounds, and charm away the pain, in the hospitals,—this is our work: to it I give my whole heart; my whole fortune, if need be. Henceforth I am the guardian of your mother and your sister. (_Enter_ CRIMP _door in flat_). Alone, if need be, I will stand the Home-Guard, a bulwark against adversity.