or losing, is not held to be my superior. I have no friends--only
confederates. Even the woman who dares to pity me must do it in
secret.

Jovita. But you will abandon this dreadful trade. As the son of
the rich Don Jose, no one dare scorn you. My father will relent.
I am his heiress.

Oakhurst. No more, Jovita, no more. If I were the man who could
purchase the world's respect through a woman's weakness for him, I
should not be here to-night. I am not here to sue your father's
daughter with hopes of forgiveness, promises of reformation.
Reformation, in a man like me, means cowardice or self-interest.
(OLD MORTON, becoming excited, leans slowly out from the shadow of
the pillar) listening intently.) I am here to take, by force if
necessary, a gambler's wife,--the woman who will share my fortunes,
my disgrace, my losses; who is willing to leave her old life of
indulgence, of luxury, of respectability, for mine. You are
frightened, little dove: compose yourself (soothing her tenderly
and sadly); you are frightened at the cruel hawk who has chosen you
for a mate.

Old Morton (aside). God in heaven! This is like HIM! like me!--
like me, before the blessed Lord lifted me into regeneration. If
it should be! (Leans forward anxiously from pillar.)

Oakhurst (aside). Still silent! Poor dove, I can hear her foolish
heart flutter against mine. Another moment decides our fate.
Another moment: John Oakhurst and freedom, or Red Gulch and--she is
moving. (To JOVITA.) I am harsh, little one, and cold. Perhaps I