MAN. So much the better. You’ll look more genuine in rusty clothes. A priest should be economical. Now you understand that you are to ask for Miss d’Acosta; that you are sent to bring her to the bed-side of her dying uncle.

STRAN. I understand all.

MAN. Once out of the convent, you will drive to the little green cottage immediately above the city, near the Jesuit plantation, where I will meet you.

STRAN. Very well.

MAN. Be about it now. (exeunt severally; almost immediately, re-enter Stranger.)

STRAN. It’s very well and good to say be about it, but I need a few drinks to brace me up. (rings bell; enter Darblee.)

DAR. Good-morning.

STRAN. Let me have a good drink of whiskey. (Darblee pours out a drink; Stranger drains it; experiments with his spine to see if he’s braced; looks gloomy.) Let me have a good drink of whiskey.

DAR. You’ve just had one.

STRAN. Let me have a good drink of whiskey.