_Sept._ Mr. Raymond knows well you have nothing to do with it. I do not acknowledge his claim, because I see no proof. (_Enter KATE, C._)
_Ray._ Matter? Your brother refuses to acknowledge me as his father, or you as his sister.
_Ray._ Yes, indeed! But I’ll find a way to make him. Hark you, Kate! Capt. Dandelion has again proposed for your hand, to _me_ this time, and I have accepted him: so you can look upon him as your future husband.
_Sept._ Her husband! I thought it would come to that.
_Ray._ Yes, your husband! You cannot object to the match: he is rich and highly accomplished.
_Kate._ But I do object. He is rich; but, when I marry, it shall be a man, and not a money-bag.
_Kate._ In this, yes. You have ever found me an obedient child, ready and eager to obey you: but this is a matter in which the heart commands; and mine bids me obey a higher law, which not even a father has power to set aside.
_Ray._ Well, here’s another! The son refuses to acknowledge his father, the daughter her husband! I tell you, girl, you shall marry this man!
(_KATE, R. RAYMOND, R. C. SEPT., C. JOHN GALE, L. C. MARCH, L. C. MRS. GALE, L. Enter KITTY and GRAPEAU, L., KITTY trying to screen him as they creep toward door, C. MARCH attracts MRS. G.’S attention, who seems inclined to turn around._)
_Ray._ Your brother. Confound it, you’re all crazy! Do you want to drive me mad?
_Ray._ But I say he is: every circumstance goes to prove it,--“The Diana,” the wreck, the child found upon the sands. I tell you he must be my son.
_John Gale._ Now, what’s the use of talking about the wreck? Wa’n’t there two on ’em? Couldn’t there have been a baby born on board? Couldn’t your wife have made a mistake in the vessel? I don’t see your proof. She might have sailed in “The Gladiator.” (_GRAP. rushes down, C._)
_Grap._ “Ze Gladiator?” What for you say “Ze Gladiator”?
_Mrs. Gale._ That plaguy peddler here! Where’s my broom?
_March._ Hold on, Mother Gale! The old gentleman has done me a service, and I’ll stand by him.
_Ray._ What does he know of “The Gladiator”?
_Grap._ “Ze Gladiator”? Sacre! I have know “Ze Gladiator” too much,--ver too much. I have sailed from my own France ever so long ago in ze ship call “Ze Gladiator.”