Pete. (bowing) T'ank yo'.
Deacon. (advancing and extending hand) George, my boy, you will at least let me extend to you my hearty congratulations. You have acted nobly.
Graef. (refusing hand) Excuse me uncle, but——
Deacon. Why! why! what's the matter? Refuse to shake hands with me? Why—ah—I can't understand it.
Graef. Pardon me, uncle for my plainness of speech. But I'll never shake hands with a father who has disowned his motherless child, until he forgives her and acknowledges her as his own flesh and blood.
Pete. (aside) Dat's de noblest t'ing he ever said or done.
Minnie. (rising) George!
Graef. I can't help it, Minnie. I mean it. (the Deacon turns back)
Pete. Dat's right, Massa George, make him toe de scratch.
Enter Nellie, D. C.