--responsive indignation. You
can never consent to remain beneath this roof, and--er--receive
a--er--vagabond and--er--menial on equal terms. The--er--necessities
of my--er--profession may--er--compel me; but you--er--never! Holding
myself--er--er--responsible for having introduced you here, it is
my--er--duty to provide you with--another home! It is my--er--duty to
protect--

Miss Mary (aside). Sandy here, and beneath this roof! Why has he not
sought me? Ah, I know too well: he dare not face me with his child!

Starbottle (aside). She turns away! it is maiden coyness. (Aloud.) If,
Miss Mary, the--er--devotion of a life-time; if the--er--chivalrous and
respectful adoration of a man--er--whose record is--er--not unknown in
the Court of Honor (dropping on one knee with excessive gallantry); if
the--er--measure--

Miss Mary (oblivious of COL. STARBOTTLE). I WILL--I MUST see him! Ah!
(looking L.) he is coming!

Enter SANDY.

Starbottle (rising with great readiness and tact). I have found it
(presenting flower). It had fallen beneath the sofa.

Sandy (to MISS MARY, stopping short in embarrassment). I did not know
you--I--I--thought there was no one here.

Miss Mary (to STARBOTTLE). May I ask you to excuse me for a moment? I
have a few words to say to--to my COUSIN!

STARBOTTLE bows gallantly to MISS MARY, and stiffly to SANDY, and exit
R. A long pause; MISS MARY remains seated pulling flowers, SANDY remains
standing by wing, foolish and embarrassed. Business.

Miss Mary (impatiently). Well?

Sandy (slowly). I axes your pardon, miss; but you told THAT gentleman
you had a few words--to say to me.

Miss Mary (passionately, aside). Fool! (Aloud.) I had; but I am waiting
to first answer your inquiries about your--your--child. I have fulfilled
my trust, sir.

Sandy. You have, Miss Mary, and I thank you.

Miss Mary. I might perhaps have expected that this revelation of our
kinship would have come from other lips than a stranger's; but--no
matter! I wish you joy, sir, of your heritage. (Going.) You have found a
home, sir, at last, for yourself and--and--your child. Good-day, sir.

Sandy. Miss Mary!

Miss Mary. I must make ready to receive your father's guests. It is his
orders: I am only his poor relation. Good-by, sir. [Exit L.

Sandy (watching her). She is gone!--gone! No! She has dropped on the
sofa in the ante-room, and is crying. Crying! I promised Jack I wouldn't
speak until the time came. I'll go back. (H