Mrs. S. Cupid, quick! You and Marthy get the silver; put it in the chest; bring me the key. (Exit Marthy and Cupid). We must be brave. Try to detain them as long as possible; our boys may have more time. [The bugle-call is heard very near, then the sound of horses' hoofs growing louder. Char. Is there nothing we can do to stop them? Stay, they'll come here to the house; we'll lock them out. [Enter Marthy and Cupid. Marthy. We grabbed up what we could an' shuved de ches' onder de baid. [Gives key. Mrs. S. Here, let me lock the door. (She locks the door; puts key in her pocket). We'll stand here on the porch. Now, children, keep close by me; they shall not harm you. If only we can keep them! [They stand in a little group on the porch, Cupid with an ax, and he and Marthy behind the others. A Man's Voice. Here, this way! Another. Here's the house! Another. Come on! [Enter a party of Union soldiers headed by Corporal Evans, an insolent young fellow of about twenty-five. He has a very boisterous manner, giving his orders with a swagger. Evans. Here's Southern hospitality for you. A party out to meet us (they all come forward, some crashing through the shrubs, breaking down the fence, some walk through flower beds. They come up to the porch). Hello, ladies! (without removing his cap) Come on, boys! [He starts up the steps; other soldiers have come on; some join the group near steps, others go around the house. Mrs. S. takes a step forward, her head held very high. Mrs. S. I beg your pardon, sir! [Evans stops, then laughs in an insolent manner. Evans. What are you doing out here on the front porch, anyway? Mrs. S. I always receive my visitors at my front door. Evans. Visitors, eh? Well, we'll make ourselves at home. Mrs. S. You are are mistaken, sir! Evans. We are going in there. Mrs. S. You are not! [The man tries to push past her, but Cupid steps forward with the ax. Cupid (in a rage). You darsent tuch my mistis! Evans. I'll break your head in, damn you! [He starts to strike him with his sword. Mrs. S. steps quickly between them. Mrs. S. You will not dare to touch my servant. Evans (very angry). Get him out of the way, then, or I'll show you. [Here the door of the house is kicked open from within. Several soldiers enter from house. A Soldier. We're in from the back way. Come on! [Mrs. S., Charlotte, Fair, Bev, Cupid and Marthy come down into yard and cross to the garden gate. All the soldiers except the corporal and two or three others exit into house. Evans. I'll stay out here with the ladies (laughs). What's past that gate? Mrs. S. My garden, sir.