w the hereditary taint, demn me! I must think of this
seriously. Ged, Star! the idea is--an inspiration of humanity and
virtue. Who knows? it might be the saving of the vagabond,--a crown of
glory to the old man's age. Inspiration, did I say? Ged, Star, it's a
DUTY,--a sacred, solemn duty, for which you are responsible,--personally
responsible.

Lights down half. Enter from corridor L., MORTON, DON JOSE, the DONA
JOVITA, and MANUELA.

Dona Jovita (stepping forward with exaggerated Spanish courtesy). A
thousand graces await your Excellency, Commander Don--Don--

Starbottle (bowing to the ground with equal delight and exaggerated
courtesy). Er--Coolpepero!

Dona Jovita. Don Culpepero! If we throw ourselves unasked at your
Excellency's feet (courtesy), if we appear unsought before the light of
your Excellency's eyes (courtesy), if we err in maidenly decorum in thus
seeking unbidden your Excellency's presence (courtesy), believe us, it
is the fear of some greater, some graver indecorum in our conduct that
has withdrawn your Excellency's person from us since you have graced our
roof with your company. We know, Senor Commander, how superior are the
charms of the American ladies. It is in no spirit of rivalry with them,
but to show--Mother of God!--that we are not absolutely ugly, that we
intrude upon your Excellency's solitude. (Aside.) I shall need the old
fool, and shall use him.

Col. Starbottle (who has been bowing and saluting with equal
extravagance, during this speech--aside). Ged! she IS beautiful!
(Aloud.) Permit me er--er--Dona Jovita, to correct--Ged, I must say
it, correct erroneous statements. The man who should--er--utter in my
presence remarks disparaging those--er--charms it is my privilege
to behold, I should hold responsible,--Ged! personally responsible.
You--er--remind me of er--incident, trifling perhaps, but pleasing,
Charleston in '52,--a reception at John C. Calhoun's. A lady, one of the
demnedest beautiful women you ever saw, said to me, "Star!"--she always
called me Star,--"you've avoided me, you have, Star! I fear you are no
longer my friend."--"Your friend, madam," I said. "No, I've avoided you
because I am your lover." Ged, Miss Jovita, a fact--demn me. Sensation.
Husband heard garbled report. He was old friend, but jealous, rash,
indiscreet. Fell at first fire--umph--January 5th. Lady--beautiful
woman--never forgave: went into convent. Sad affair. And all a
mistake--demn me,--all a mistake,