American drama -- 19th century; California -- Gold discoveries -- Drama; California -- History -- 1846-1850 -- Drama
Oakhurst (raising her gently). I thank you, darling. But it is too late
now. To be more worthy of you, to win YOU, I waived the title I had to
you in my own manhood, to borrow another's more legal claim. I who would
not win you as a gambler, cannot make you now the wife of a convicted
impostor. No! Hear me, darling! do not make my disgrace greater than it
is. In the years to come, Jovita, think of me as one who loved you well
enough to go through shame to win you, but too well to ask you to share
with him that shame. Farewell, darling, farewell! (Releases himself from
JOVITA'S arms, who falls beside him.)
Concho (rubbing his hands, and standing before him). Oho! Mr. John
Oakhurst--eh--was it for this, eh--you leaped the garden wall, eh? was
it for this you struck me down, eh? You are not wise, eh? You should
have run away with the Dona when you could--ah, ah, impostor!
Sandy (leaping to his feet). Jack, you shall not go! I will go with you!
Oakhurst. No! Your place is there. (Pointing to old MORTON, whose head
has sunk drunkenly on his breast.) Heed not this man; his tongue carries
only the borrowed lash of his master.
Concho. Eh! you are bold now--bold; but I said I would have revenge--ah,
revenge!
Sandy (rushing toward him). Coward!
Don Jose. Hold your hand, sir! Hold! I allow no one to correct my
menials but myself. Concho, order my carriage!
Concho. It is ready, sir.
Don Jose. Then lead the way to it, for my daughter and her husband, John
Oakhurst.--Good-night, Mr. Morton, I can sympathize with you; for we
have both found a son. I am willing to exchange my dismissed servant for
your dismissed PARTNER.
Starbottle (advancing). Ged, sir, I respect you! Ged, sir, permit me,
sir, to grasp that honorable hand!
Old Morton (excitedly). He is right, my partner. What have I done!
The house of Morton & Son dissolved. The man known as my partner--a
fugitive! No, Alexander!
Starbottle. One moment--a single moment! As a lawyer, permit me to
say, sir, that the whole complication may be settled, sir, by
the--er--addition of--er--single letter! The house of Morton & Son shall
hereafter read Morton & Sons. The papers for the legal adoption of Mr.
Oakhurst are--er--in my pocket.
Old Morton (more soberly). Have it your own way, sir! Morton & Sons be
it. Hark ye, Don Jose! We are equal at last. But--hark ye, Aleck!
How about the boy, eh?--my grandson, eh? Is this one of the sons by
adoption?
Sandy (embarrassedly). It is my own, sir.
Capper (advancing). He can with safety claim it; for the mother is on
her way to Australia with her husband.
Old Morton. And the schoolma'am, eh?
Miss Mary. She will claim the usual year of probation for your prodigal,
and then--
Sandy. God bless ye, Miss Mary!
Old Morton. I am in a dream! But the world--my friends--my patrons--how
can I explain?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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