The action is supposed to pass during the twenty-four hours immediately preceding the surrender of the Confederate army, at Appomattox, April 9, 1865, and to close five years later. Act First occurs in a woodland glade, near to the abode of the _Warrens_ of Virginia. Acts Second and Third proceed in a room in that dwelling. Act Fourth, and last, is placed in a rose garden adjacent to the _Warren_ home. _General Warren_, a Confederate commander, is ill, broken by care and privation, and he has been ordered from the field, for rest. _General Griffin_, a Union commander, has acceded to the request of _General Lee_ that _Warren_ should be passed through the Union lines to his home. _Warren’s_ daughter, _Agatha_, trying to reach the Confederate forces, with such little relief as the _Warren_ family could supply, has been stopped by _Lieutenant Burton_, a Union officer,--known to her before the outbreak of the war,--who loves her, and who is by her beloved, although she has repulsed him. _Lieutenant Burton_, in turning _Agatha_ back to her home, begs the privilege of visiting her, if he can obtain leave of absence, but his request is denied. _General Warren_, however, on the way to his dwelling, meets with _Burton_ and consents to the proposed visit. A supply train is expected by the Confederates, and its arrival is vital to them, while the stoppage of it is equally essential to the forces of the Union. Stratagem is planned. A bogus despatch is prepared, ordering the interception of the train at a certain point, and it is desired that this despatch be captured by the Confederate commander, so that he will be deceived by it and will send the train another way. The Union commander utilizes _Lieutenant Burton’s_ wish to visit his sweetheart, and compels him to carry the despatch,--having previously ascertained that a movement of the Confederates is intended which will insure _Burton’s_ capture at _General Warren’s_ home. Various reasons constrain _Burton_ to carry the despatch,--although his expectation is that he will be shot as a spy. When the scene shifts to the _Warren_ home _Agatha_ and _Burton_ meet and they plight their faith as lovers. _Burton_ is captured by the Confederates, but _Agatha_ has obtained the despatch and has concealed it in her shoe. Her purpose is to shield her lover; but _General Warren_, surmising that she knows where the document is concealed, appeals to her in such a way that she breaks down and surrenders it. The _General_ is deceived. The supply train is despatched in a wrong direction and is captured by the Union forces. The conduct of _Burton_ thereupon is stigmatized as grossly dishonorable; _Agatha_ renounces him; and, making no defence, he is likely to be shot. The surrender of the Confederate army terminates the war, and thus _Burton’s_ life is saved. After the lapse of five years he once more repairs to the _Warren_ home and renews his suit for the hand of _Agatha_.