(Motions toward room L.)
Miss Mary (aside). It is HIS son. I am satisfied (going). Come,
colonel.
[Exeunt into room L., STARBOTTLE and MISS MARY.
The Duchess (crossing to OAKHURST, and falling at his feet).
Forgive me, Jack, forgive me! It was no fault of mine. I did not
know that you were here. I did not know that you had taken his
name!
Oakhurst. Hush--on your life!
The Duchess. Hear me, Jack! I was anxious only for a home for my
child. I came to HER--the schoolmistress of Red Gulch--for aid. I
told her the name of my boy's father. She--she brought me here.
Oh, forgive me, Jack! I have offended you!
Oakhurst. How can I believe you? You have deceived HIM. You have
deceived me. Listen! When I said, a moment ago, you were not the
wife of Alexander Morton, it was because I knew that your first
husband--the Australian convict Pritchard--was still living; that
you had deceived Sandy Morton as you had deceived me. That was why
I left you. Tell me, have you deceived me also about him, as you
did about the other? Is HE living, and with you; or dead, as you
declared.
The Duchess (aside). He will kill me if I tell him. (Aloud.) No,
no. He is gone--is dead these three years.
Oakhurst. You swear!
The Duchess (hesitates, gasps, and looks around for her child; then
seizing it, and drawing it toward her). I--swear.
Oakhurst. Enough. Seek not to know why I am here, and under his
name.
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