Oakhurst. Enough: I will take the child. Pardon me, Miss Morris, but you have heard enough to know that your mission is accomplished, but what else passes between this woman and myself becomes no stranger to hear. (Motions toward room L.) Miss Mary (aside). It is HIS son. I am satisfied (going). Come, colonel. [Exeunt into room L., STARBOTTLE and MISS MARY. The Duchess (crossing to OAKHURST, and falling at his feet). Forgive me, Jack, forgive me! It was no fault of mine. I did not know that you were here. I did not know that you had taken his name! Oakhurst. Hush--on your life! The Duchess. Hear me, Jack! I was anxious only for a home for my child. I came to HER--the schoolmistress of Red Gulch--for aid. I told her the name of my boy's father. She--she brought me here. Oh, forgive me, Jack! I have offended you! Oakhurst. How can I believe you? You have deceived HIM. You have deceived me. Listen! When I said, a moment ago, you were not the wife of Alexander Morton, it was because I knew that your first husband--the Australian convict Pritchard--was still living; that you had deceived Sandy Morton as you had deceived me. That was why 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 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!