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 MAN'S idea of right; and--there's my hand. Take it, take it; for it's a novelty, Mr. Morton: it's the hand of an honest girl! Oakhurst (hesitates, then rises, sinks on one knee, and raises MISS MARY'S fingers to his lips). God bless you, miss! God bless you! Miss Mary (retreating to centre door). Good-night, good-night (slowly),--cousin--Alexander. [Exit. Dark stage. Oakhurst (rising swiftly). No, no: it is false! Ah! She's gone. Another moment, and I would have told her all. Pshaw! courage, man! It is only six days more, and you are free, and this year's shame and agony forever ended. Enter JACKSON. Jackson. As you ordered, sir, the night watchman has been relieved, and has just gone. Oakhurst. Very good, sir; and you? Jackson. I relieved the porter, sir; and I shall bunk on two chairs in the counting-room. You'll find me handy if you want me, sir. Good-night, sir. [Exit C.