It is with the--er--intention of offering them, and--
er--returning your lawful heir, that we--er--are here to-night.
Old Morton (rising to his feet). And renounce you both! Out of my
house, out of my sight, out of my heart, forever! Go! liars,
swindlers, confederates! Drunk--
Oakhurst (retiring slowly with SANDY). We are going, sir!
Old Morton. Go! open the doors there WIDE, wide enough for such a
breadth of infamy! Do you hear me? I am master here!
Stands erect, as OAKHURST and SANDY, hand in hand, slowly retreat
backward to centre,--then suddenly utters a cry, and falls heavily
on sofa. Both pause: OAKHURST remains quiet and motionless; SANDY,
after a moment's hesitation, rushes forward, and falls at his feet.
Sandy. Father, forgive me!
Old Morton (putting his hand round SANDY'S neck, and motioning him
to door). Go! both of you, both of you! (Resisting SANDY'S
attempt to rise.) Did you hear me? Go!
Starbottle. Permit me to--explain. Your conduct, Mr. Morton,
reminds me of sing'lar incident in '47--
Old Morton. Silence!
Oakhurst. One word, Mr. Morton! Shamed and disgraced as I am, I
leave this roof more gladly than I entered it. How I came here,
you best know. How I yielded madly to the temptation, the promise
of a better life; how I fell, through the hope of reformation,--no
one should know better than you, sir, the reformer. I do not ask
your pardon.
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