me! has fulfilled all his duties to--er--society and gentlemen.
And allow me to add, sir, should any invidious criticism of the
present--er--settlement be uttered in my presence, I shall hold
that critic responsible, sir--er--personally responsible!

Miss Mary (sweeping truculently and aggressively up to JOHN
OAKHURST). And permit ME to add, sir, that, if you can see your
way clearly out of this wretched muddle, it's more than I can.
This arrangement may be according to the Californian code of
morality, but it doesn't accord with my Eastern ideas of right and
wrong. If this foolish, wretched creature chooses to abandon all
claim upon you, chooses to run away from you,--why, I suppose, as a
GENTLEMAN, according to your laws of honor, you are absolved.
Good-night, Mr. Alexander Morton. (Goes to door C., and exit,
pushing out STARBOTTLE, the DUCHESS, and child. MR. OAKHURST sinks
into chair at desk, burying his face in his hands. Re-enter slowly
and embarrassedly, MISS MARY: looks toward OAKHURST, and comes
slowly down stage.)

Miss Mary (aside). I was too hard on him. I was not so hard on
Sandy when I thought that he--he--was the father of her child. And
he's my own flesh and blood, too; and--he's crying. (Aloud.) Mr.
Morton.

Oakhurst (slowly lifting his head). Yes; Miss Mary.

Miss Mary. I spoke hastily just then. I--I--thought--you see--I--
(angrily and passionately) I mean this. I'm a stranger. I don't
understand your Californian ways, and I don't want to. But I
believe you've done what you thought was right, according to a