Part 18 (1/2)

MASON. Can _we_ do anything?

WARDEN. Nothing but watch him closely till the people go. Then force him to make a clean breast of it, so we can all know where we stand; how we can best protect his aunt from ruin and his wife and boy from public disgrace.

MASON. He is watching us.

WARDEN. He knows I know him; we must be careful. He's coming toward us.

[_He then speaks in a different tone, but no louder._] You're certain of the trustworthiness of your information?

MASON. Absolutely. Every man left in that concern will be ruined before the 'Change closes after to-morrow. [STERLING _has joined them in time to hear the end of_ MASON'S _speech._ MASON _continues._] I am telling Warden what I told you about the Hudson Electric Company.

STERLING. Can't you talk of something pleasanter?

[BLANCHE _reenters at back. On her entrance all the men rise. The servants finish preparing the room for the tree._

BLANCHE. I'm very sorry--I really can't let you men stay here any longer.

ALL THE MEN. Why not? How's that? [_Ad lib._]

BLANCHE. You know we want to get this room ready for Santa Claus! d.i.c.k!

[_She goes to her husband. All the men go out at back in a group led by_ WARDEN _and_ MASON. _They are all talking and laughing._ BLANCHE _is left alone with her husband._] What is this Aunt Ruth has been telling me about not being able to get some bonds from you?

STERLING. Oh, nothing. I forgot to send them up to her, that's all.

BLANCHE. But she says she sent three times.

STERLING. One time too late to get into the vault; and the other, her letter was mislaid--I mean not given to me.

BLANCHE. You haven't broken your word to me?

STERLING. What if I had?

BLANCHE. I would let the law take its course.

STERLING. You must love me very little.

BLANCHE. I _live_ with you. First you robbed me of my respect for you; then you dried up my heart with neglect.

STERLING. And our boy?

BLANCHE. Your blood runs in his veins; your shame and disgrace would be a fearful warning to him. It might kill _me_; but never mind, if it _saved him_.

STERLING. Oh, well, I haven't broken my word! So you needn't worry. I've been honest enough.

BLANCHE. [_With a long sigh of relief._] Oh! I hope so!

MRS. HUNTER. [_Appearing in doorway at back._] The men are in the drawing-room--shall we come _here_?

BLANCHE. Yes, we'll bring the others, mother. Come, d.i.c.k.

[_She goes out with_ MRS. HUNTER _at back._