es
it from decanter.) Yes, an old man, Aleck; but the boy,--ah, I live
again in him. The little rascal! He asked me, Aleck, for a "chaw
tobacker!" and wanted to know if I was the "ol' duffer." Ha, ha! He
did. Ha, ha! Come, come, don't be despondent. I was like you once, damn
it,--ahem--it's all for the best, my boy, all for the best. I'll take
the young rascal (aside)--damn it, he's already taken me--(aloud) on
equal terms. There, Aleck, what do you say?

Oakhurst. Really, sir, this forbearance,--this kindness--(aside) I see a
ray of light.

Old Morton. Nonsense! I'll take the boy, I tell you, and do well for
him,--the little rascal!--as if he were the legal heir. But, I say,
Aleck (laughing), ha, ha!--what about--ha, ha!--what about Dona Jovita,
eh? and what about Don Jose Castro, eh? How will the lady like a
ready-made family, eh? (Poking OAKHURST in the ribs.) What will the Don
say to the family succession? Ha, ha!

Oakhurst (proudly). Really, sir, I care but little.

Old Morton (aside). Oh, ho! I'll sound him. (Aloud.) Look ye, Alexander,
I have given my word to you and Don Jose Castro, and I'll keep it. But
if you can do any better, eh--if--eh?--the schoolma'am's a mighty pretty
girl and a bright one, eh, Aleck? And it's all in the family--eh? And
she thinks well of you; and I will say, for a girl brought up as she's
been, and knowin' your relations with the Duchess and the boy, to say a
kind word for ye, Aleck, is a good sign,--you follow me, Aleck,--if you
think--why, old Don Jose might whistle for a son-in-law, eh?

Oakhurst (interrupting indignantly). Sir! (Aside.) Stop! (Aloud.) Do you
mean to say, sir, that if I should consent to this--suggestion--that, if
the lady were willing, YOU would offer no impediment?

Old Morton. Impediment, my dear boy! you should have my blessing.

Oakhurst. Pardon me a moment. You have in the last year, sir, taught
me the importance of business formality in all the relations of life.
Following that idea, the conditions of my engagement with Jovita Castro
were drawn up with your hand. Are you willing to make this recantation
as formal, this new contract as businesslike and valid?

Old Morton (eagerly). I am.

Oakhurst. Then sit here, and write at my dictation. (Pointing to table
L. OLD MORTON takes seat at table.) "In view of the evident preferences
of my son Alexander Morton, and of certain family interests, I hereby
revoke my consent to his marriage with the Dona Jovita