_Rowell_ (_rising_). Do you dare, Robert Trueworth? Remember who I am,—one high in authority, your superior. You are but a private soldier. There is no love between us. Be warned in time. _Rob._ Yes, I do remember; but I do not fear you. You have used your power to degrade me, by keeping me in the ranks, when I have _won_ a higher place. I have not murmured. But when you step between me and the girl I love, the girl I have won, mark me, colonel, _won_ in spite of you, you are no longer my superior: you are a base and treacherous spy. _Rowell_ (_furious_). Robert Trueworth, you lie! you have not won her. _Crimp_ (_rises to a stooping position, throws off flag_). By golly! dere's gwine to be a fight here. Wish Massa Rob jes had dat letter. (_Creeps round to_ L. _on "all fours" while the others are speaking_.) _Rob._ In the sight of Heaven she is mine. We have exchanged vows; and, as I am true, I believe she is true. O man, man! have you no honor? Your strategy is unworthy a soldier of the Union. (GRANT _and_ BOXER _cross stage_ L. _to_ R., _outside_.) _Rowell._ I repeat, you have not won her. True, there was a foolish plighting of vows; but one year ago, when, as her guardian, I met her in Grainlow to surrender my trust, I found her changed. I felt she had repented of her rashness: now I am sure of it. She no longer loves you. _Rob._ I will believe that when I hear it from her lips. You cannot shake my faith in her. _Rowell_ (_handing open letter_). Then read that. I am recalled to Grainlow. _Rob_ (_takes letter, and looks at it, then at_ ROWELL, _then at letter_). "Come to Grainlow: I have repented of my rudeness to you—long to see you—earnestly entreat you to return—you shall be made happy."—oh! what is this? (_Crushes letter in his hand._) She has forgotten me, repents. Oh! would I were dead! _Crimp_ (_aside_). Yaas, Guess not. What a muss! If he only had dat ar letter! (_Creeps nearer._) _Rowell._ There is only one construction to be placed upon that. 'Tis I who am the favored suitor. (GRANT _and_ BOXER _saunter across stage outside from_ R. _to_ L. GRANT _appears at window, leans on the casing, and watches the scene, smoking_; BOXER _with him_.) _Rob._ 'Tis false! more of your treachery. She would never have rejected me without a word, a sign. _Rowell._ Still incredulous; poor fool! To your quarters! Another word to your superior, and you are under arrest. I have waited my time; and now Gaylie Gifford and her fortune shall be mine, in spite of trusting love and plighted vows. Away! (_Goes to_ R.)