I have received this morning a check from the house
of Morton & Son, for the amount of my deposit with them. So far--
in view of this complication--it is well. Who knows? Bueno! But
the signature of Morton & Son to the check is not in the handwriting
I have known. Look at it, sir. (To SANDY, handing check.)
Sandy (examining check). It is my handwriting, sir, and was signed
this morning. Has it been refused?
Don Jose. Pardon me, sir. It has not been presented. With this
doubt in my mind, I preferred to submit it first to you.
Starbottle. A moment, a single moment, sir. While as a--er--
gentleman and a man of honor, I--er--appreciate your motives,
permit me to say, sir, as a lawyer, that your visit is premature.
On the testimony of your own witness, the identification of Mr.
Alexander Morton, jun., is--er--complete; he has admitted the
signature as his own; you have not yet presented the check to the
bank.
Don Jose. Pardon me, Col. Starbottle. It is not all. (To SANDY.)
By a written agreement with Alexander Morton, sen., the hand of my
daughter is promised to his son, who now stands before me, as my
former servant, dismissed from my service for drunkenness.
Sandy. That agreement is revoked.
Don Jose. Revoked!
Sandy (handing paper). Cast your eyes over that paper. At least
you will recognize THAT signature.
Don Jose (reads). "In view of the evident preferences of my son,
Alexander Morton, and of certain family interests, I hereby revoke
my consent to his marriage with the Dona Jovita Castro, and accord
him full permission to woo and win his cousin, Miss Mary Morris;
promising him the same aid and assistance previously offered in his
suit with Miss Castro.
Pages:
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133