not told you
who I am, it was because, darling, it was more important that you should
know what I am. Now that you know that--why--(embarrassedly) I
have nothing more to tell. I did not wish you to repeat the name of
Oakhurst--because--(aside) how the Devil shall I tell her that Oakhurst
was my real name, after all, and that I only feared she might divulge
it?--(aloud) because--because--(determinedly) I doubted your ability
to keep a secret. My real name is--(looks up, and sees MORTON leaning
beyond pillar) is a secret. (Pause, in which OAKHURST slowly recovers
his coolness.) It will be given to the good priest who to-night joins
our fate forever, Jovita,--forever, in spite of calumny, opposition,
or SPIES! the padre whom we shall reach, if enough life remains in your
pulse and mine to clasp these hands together. (After a pause.) Are you
content?

Jovita. I am.

Oakhurst. Then there is not a moment to lose. Retire, and prepare
yourself for a journey. I will wait here.

Jovita. I am ready now.

Oakhurst (looking toward pillar). Pardon, my darling: there was a
bracelet--a mere trifle--I once gave you. It is not on your wrist. I
am a trifle superstitious, perhaps: it was my first gift. Bring it with
you. I will wait. Go!

[Exit JOVITA.

OAKHURST watches her exit, lounges indifferently toward gate; when
opposite pillar, suddenly seizes MORTON by the throat, and drags him
noiselessly to centre.

Oakhurst (hurriedly). One outcry,--a single word,--and it is your last.
I care not who YOU may be!--who I am,--you have heard enough to know,
at least, that you are in the grip of a desperate man. (Keys fall from
MORTON'S hand. OAKHURST seizes them.) Silence! on your life.

Morton (struggling). You would not dare! I command you--

Oakhurst (dragging him to gateway). Out you must go.

Morton. Stop, I command you. I never turned MY father out of doors!

Oakhurst (gazing at MORTON). It is an OLD man! I release you. Do as you
will, only remember that that girl is mine forever, that there is no
power on earth will keep me from her.

Morton. On conditions.

Oakhurst. Who are you that make conditions? You are not--her father?

Morton. No but I am YOURS! Alexander Morton, I charge you to hear me.

Oakhurst (starting in astonishment; aside). Sandy Morton, my lost
partner's father! This is fate.

Morton. You are astonished; but I thought so. Ay, you will hear me now!
I am your father, Alexander Morton, who drove you, a he