I left you. Tell me, have you deceived me also about him, as you
did about the other? Is HE living, and with you; or dead, as you
declared.

The Duchess (aside). He will kill me if I tell him. (Aloud.) No,
no. He is gone--is dead these three years.

Oakhurst. You swear!

The Duchess (hesitates, gasps, and looks around for her child; then
seizing it, and drawing it toward her). I--swear.

Oakhurst. Enough. Seek not to know why I am here, and under his
name. Enough for you that it has saved your child's future, and
secured him his heritage past all revocation. Yet remember! a word
from you within the next few days destroys it all. After that, I
care not what you say.

The Duchess. Jack! One word, Jack, before I go. I never thought
to bring my shame to you!--to HIM!

Oakhurst. It was no trick, then, no contrivance, that brought her
here. No: it was fate. And at least I shall save his child.

Re-enter STARBOTTLE, MISS MARY, and DUCHESS.

Col. Starbottle (impressively). Permit me, Mr. Alexander Morton,
as the friend of my--er--principal to declare that we have
received--honorable--honorable--satisfaction. Allow me, sir, to
grasp the hand, the--er--cherished hand of a gentleman who, demn