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