With the story of his own son before his eyes, he
cannot but interest himself in his fate. He is rich: he will aid
me in my search for Sandy's father, for Sandy's secret. At the
worst, I can only follow the advice of this wretched man,--an
advice so generous, so kind, so self-sacrificing. Ah--
SCENE 4.--The same. Enter the DUCHESS, showily and extravagantly
dressed. Her manner at first is a mixture of alternate shyness and
bravado.
The Duchess. I heerd tell that you was goin' down to 'Frisco to-
morrow, for your vacation; and I couldn't let ye go till I came to
thank ye for your kindness to my boy,--little Tommy.
Miss Mary (aside. Rising abstractedly, and recalling herself with
an effort). I see,--a poor outcast, the mother of my anonymous
pupil. (Aloud.) Tommy! a good boy,--a dear, good little boy.
Duchess. Thankee, miss, thankee. If I am his mother, thar ain't a
sweeter, dearer, better boy lives than him. And, if I ain't much
as says it, thar ain't a sweeter, dearer, angeler teacher than he's
got. It ain't for you to be complimented by me, miss; it ain't for
such as me to be comin' here in broad day to do it, either; but I
come to ask a favor,--not for me, miss, but for the darling boy.
Miss Mary (aside--abstractedly). This poor, degraded creature will
kill me with her wearying gratitude. Sandy will not return, of
course, while she is here. (Aloud.) Go on.
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