第33章 SCENE 2(1)

--The same. Enter door R., OLD MORTON, in dressing-gown, with candle.

Old Morton. Not abed yet, Alexander? Well, well, I don't blame you, my son it has been for you a trying, trying night. Yes, I see: like me, you are a little nervous and wakeful. (Slowly takes chair, and comfortably composes himself.)

Oakhurst (aside). He is in for a midnight gossip. How shall I dispose of Sandy?

Old Morton. Yes (meditatively),--yes, you have overworked lately.

Never mind. In a day or two more you shall have a vacation, sir,--a vacation!

Oakhurst (aside). He knows not how truly he speaks. (Aloud.)

Yes, sir, I was still up. I have only just now dismissed the policemen.

Old Morton. Ay. I heard voices, and saw a light in your window.

I came to tell you, Alexander, Capper has explained all about--about the decoy! More; he has told me of your courage and your invaluable assistance. For a moment, sir,--I don't mind telling you now in confidence,--I doubted YOU--Oakhurst (in feigned deprecation). Oh, sir!

Old Morton. Only for a moment. You will find, Alexander, that even that doubt shall have full apology when the year of your probation has expired. Besides, sir. I know all.

Oakhurst (starting). All!

Old Morton. Yes, the story about the Duchess and your child. You are surprised. Col. Starbottle told me all. I forgive you, Alexander, for the sake of your boy.

Oakhurst. My boy, sir!

Old Morton. Yes, your boy. And let me tell you, sir, he's a fine young fellow. Looks like you,--looks as you did when YOU were a boy. He's a Morton too, every inch of him, there's no denying that. No, sir. You may have changed; but he--he--is the living image of my little Alexander. He took to me, too,--lifted his little arms--and--and-- (Becomes affected, and leans his head in his hands.)

Oakhurst (rising). You are not well, sir. Let me lead you to your room.

Old Morton. No! it is nothing: a glass of water, Alexander!

Oakhurst (aside). He is very pale. The agitation of the night has overcome him. (Goes to table R.) A little spirits will revive him. (Pours from decanter in glass, and returns to MORTON.)

Old Morton (after drinking). There was spirits in that water, Alexander. Five years ago, I vowed at your mother's grave to abandon the use of intoxicating liquors.

Oakhurst. Believe me, sir, my mother will forgive you.

Old Morton. Doubtless. It has revived me. I am getting to be an old man, Aleck. (Holds out his glass half-unconsciously, and OAKHURST replenishes it from decanter.) Yes, an old man, Aleck; but the boy,--ah, I live again in him. The little rascal! He asked me, Aleck, for a "chaw tobacker!" and wanted to know if I was the "ol' duffer." Ha, ha! He did. Ha, ha! Come, come, don't be despondent. I was like you once, damn it,--ahem--it's all for the best, my boy, all for the best. I'll take the young rascal (aside)--damn it, he's already taken me--(aloud) on equal terms.

There, Aleck, what do you say?

Oakhurst. Really, sir, this forbearance,--this kindness--(aside) I see a ray of light.

Old Morton. Nonsense! I'll take the boy, I tell you, and do well for him,--the little rascal!--as if he were the legal heir. But, I say, Aleck (laughing), ha, ha!--what about--ha, ha!--what about Dona Jovita, eh? and what about Don Jose Castro, eh? How will the lady like a ready-made family, eh? (Poking OAKHURST in the ribs.)

What will the Don say to the family succession? Ha, ha!

Oakhurst (proudly). Really, sir, I care but little.

Old Morton (aside). Oh, ho! I'll sound him. (Aloud.) Look ye, Alexander, I have given my word to you and Don Jose Castro, and I'll keep it. But if you can do any better, eh--if--eh?--the schoolma'am's a mighty pretty girl and a bright one, eh, Aleck?

And it's all in the family--eh? And she thinks well of you; and I will say, for a girl brought up as she's been, and knowin' your relations with the Duchess and the boy, to say a kind word for ye, Aleck, is a good sign,--you follow me, Aleck,--if you think--why, old Don Jose might whistle for a son-in-law, eh?

Oakhurst (interrupting indignantly). Sir! (Aside.) Stop!

(Aloud.) Do you mean to say, sir, that if I should consent to this--suggestion--that, if the lady were willing, YOU would offer no impediment?

Old Morton. Impediment, my dear boy! you should have my blessing.