ovidence has vouchsafed me. I am aware
that my conduct to your father and mother, while in my sinful and
unregenerate state, is no warrantee for my present promise; but my
legal adviser, Col. Starbottle, who is empowered to treat with you, will
assure you of the sincerity of my intention, and my legal ability to
perform it. He will conduct you to my house; you will share its roof
with me and my prodigal son Alexander, now by the grace of God restored,
and mindful of the error of his ways. I enclose a draft for one thousand
dollars: if you require more, draw upon me for the same.

Your cousin,

ALEXANDER MORTON, SEN.

My mother's cousin--so! Cousin Alexander! a rich man, and reunited
to the son he drove into shameful exile. Well! we will see this
confidential lawyer; and until then--until then--why, we are the
schoolmistress of Red Gulch, and responsible for its youthful prodigals.
(Going to schoolhouse door.)

Miss Mary (stopping to examine flowers). Poor, poor Sandy! Another
offering, and, as he fondly believes, unknown and anonymous! As if he
were not visible in every petal and leaf! The mariposa blossom of the
plain. The snowflower I longed for, from those cool snowdrifts beyond
the ridge. And I really believe he was sober when he arranged them. Poor
fellow! I begin to think that the dissipated portion of this community
are the most interesting. Ah! some one behind the rock,--Sandy, I'll
wager. No! a stranger!

Col. Starbottle (aside, and advancing). If I could make her think I
left those flowers! (Aloud.) When I state that--er--I am
perhaps--er--stranger--

Miss Mary (interrupting him coldly). You explain, sir, your appearance
on a spot which the rude courtesy of even this rude miner's camp has
preserved from intrusion.

Starbottle (slightly abashed, but recovering himself). Yes--Ged!--that
is, I--er--saw you admiring--er--tribute--er--humble tribute of
flowers. I am myself passionately devoted to flowers. Ged! I've
spent hours--in--er--bending over the--er--graceful sunflower,
in--er--plucking the timid violet from the overhanging but reluctant
bough, in collecting the--er--er--fauna--I mean the--er--flora--of
this--er--district.

Miss Mary (who has been regarding him intently). Permit me to leave you
in uninterrupted admiration of them. (Handing him flowers.) You
will have ample time in your journey down the gulch to indulge your
curiosity!

Hands STARBOTTLE flowers, enters schoolhouse, and quietly