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.

Oakhurst. Pardon me a moment. You have in the last year, sir,
taught me the importance of business formality in all the relations
of life. Following that idea, the conditions of my engagement with
Jovita Castro were drawn up with your hand. Are you willing to
make this recantation as formal, this new contract as businesslike
and valid?