THE HOME-COMING
Scene: A room in a house half demolished by shell-fire on a deserted battlefield. Indistinct figure of an old woman. Enter another figure, like a young soldier, through a half-open door.
Old Woman. Is that you, Charles?
Young Soldier. Yes, Granny—where are you?
Old Woman. I am here in the corner, Charles. How did you escape from the battle?
Young Soldier. I do not know; but here I am, as you can see.
Old Woman. I do not see you very plainly, Charles.
Young Soldier. I cannot see you at all, Granny.
Old Woman. I tell you I am here in the corner.
Young Soldier. Very well, Granny; I begin to see you now.
Old Woman. Please close the door behind you. I would not have it open for a minute with all those strange noises about.
Young Soldier. I cannot close the door, Granny. It must have been jammed by the explosion.
Old Woman. But it has been swinging in the wind.
Young Soldier. Yes, but I cannot close it. Where are all the others?
Old Woman. They went away in a big cart.
Young Soldier. Is Margaret safe?
Old Woman. She went away in the cart.
[179]
