This accounts for his silence, his absence. Oh, I
shall go mad!
Manuela. Compose yourself, miss. If I am not deceived, there is
one here who will aid us,--who will expose this deceit. Listen: an
hour ago, as I passed through the hall, I saw Diego, our old
Diego,--your friend and confidant, Diego.
Jovita. The drunkard--the faithless Diego!
Manuela. Never, Miss Jovita; not drunken! For, as he passed
before me, he was as straight, as upright, as fine as your lover.
Come, miss, we will seek him.
Jovita. Never! He, too, is a traitor.
Manuela. Believe me, no! Come, Miss Jovita. (Looking toward L.)
See, he is there. Some one is with him.
Jovita (looking). You are right; and it is she--SHE, Miss Mary!
What? he is kissing her hand! and she--SHE, the double traitress--
drops her head upon his shoulder! Oh, this is infamy!
Manuela. Hush! Some one is coming. The guests are arriving.
They must not see you thus. This way, Miss Jovita,--this way.
After a little, a little, the mystery will be explained. (Taking
JOVITA'S hand, and leading her R.)
Jovita (going). And this was the correct schoolmistress, the
preceptress and example of all the virtues! ha! (laughing
hysterically) ha!
[Exeunt JOVITA and MANUELA.
SCENE 6.--The same. Enter SERVANT; opens folding doors C.,
revealing veranda and view of distant city beyond. Stage, fog
effect from without. Enter STARBOTTLE and OAKHURST, R.
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