She will at once recognize this bouquet as a delicate
souvenir of Red Gulch, and will appreciate your recollection. And
the fact, the crushing fact, that you have overlooked the--er--
ungentlemanly conduct of her OWN cousin Sandy, the real Alexander
Morton, that you have--er--assisted to restore the ex-vaquero to
his rights, will--er--er--at once open the door to--er--mutual
confidence and--er--a continuance of that--er--prepossession I have
already noticed. Ahem! here she is.
Enter MISS MARY in full dress.
Miss Mary. You are early, Col. Starbottle. This promptitude does
honor to our poor occasion.
Col. Starbottle. Ged, Miss Mary, promptness with a lady and an
adversary is the first duty of--er--gentleman. I wished that--er--
the morning dew might still be--er--fresh in these flowers. I
gathered them myself (presenting bouquet) at--er--er--flower-stand
in the--er--California market.
Miss Mary (aside). Flowers! I needed no such reminder of poor
Sandy. (Aloud.) I thank you, colonel.
Starbattle. Ged, ma'am, I am repaid doubly. Your conduct, Miss
Mary, reminds me of little incident that occurred at Richmond, in
'58. Dinner party--came early--but obliged to go--as now--on
important business, before dessert--before dessert. Lady sat next
to me--beautiful woman--excuse me if I don't mention names--said to
me, "Star,"--always called me Star,--"Star, you remind me of the
month of May.
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