Enough for you that it has saved your child's future, and
secured him his heritage past all revocation. Yet remember! a word
from you within the next few days destroys it all. After that, I
care not what you say.
The Duchess. Jack! One word, Jack, before I go. I never thought
to bring my shame to you!--to HIM!
Oakhurst. It was no trick, then, no contrivance, that brought her
here. No: it was fate. And at least I shall save his child.
Re-enter STARBOTTLE, MISS MARY, and DUCHESS.
Col. Starbottle (impressively). Permit me, Mr. Alexander Morton,
as the friend of my--er--principal to declare that we have
received--honorable--honorable--satisfaction. Allow me, sir, to
grasp the hand, the--er--cherished hand of a gentleman who, demn
me! has fulfilled all his duties to--er--society and gentlemen.
And allow me to add, sir, should any invidious criticism of the
present--er--settlement be uttered in my presence, I shall hold
that critic responsible, sir--er--personally responsible!
Miss Mary (sweeping truculently and aggressively up to JOHN
OAKHURST). And permit ME to add, sir, that, if you can see your
way clearly out of this wretched muddle, it's more than I can.
This arrangement may be according to the Californian code of
morality, but it doesn't accord with my Eastern ideas of right and
wrong. If this foolish, wretched creature chooses to abandon all
claim upon you, chooses to run away from you,--why, I suppose, as a
GENTLEMAN, according to your laws of honor, you are absolved.
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