Part 25 (1/2)

[_The sleigh-bells stop._

G.o.dESBY. [_To_ MISS G.o.dESBY.] Ten to one if you agree to sign this note--

WARDEN. And keep silent.

MISS G.o.dESBY. [_Satirically._] Oh, yes, of course, the next morning when I wake up Sterling will be gone! n.o.body knows where!

WARDEN. I've had it out with Sterling! I am here as his representative.

I give you my word of honor Sterling will not run away. It is under such an understanding with him that I am pleading his case in his stead. He will stay here and work till he has paid you back, every cent.

[JESSICA _enters hurriedly from the house._

JESSICA. [_In great excitement._] Mr. Warden, Mr. Warden, d.i.c.k has gone!

WARDEN. _Sterling? Gone?_

MISS G.o.dESBY. _Gone?_

G.o.dESBY. That's _good_!

WARDEN. Don't be a fool, G.o.desby. How do you mean ”gone,” Miss Hunter?

JESSICA. I don't altogether know. While I was out this morning, Blanche received a message from mother saying she'd been--

[_She hesitates, looking toward_ G.o.dESBY _and_ MISS G.o.dESBY.

WARDEN. They know. They're your mother's guests here.

JESSICA. She told Blanche they would be glad to have her here at one o'clock for breakfast. Blanche ordered the sleigh at once and went away, leaving word for me I was to open any message which might come for her.

WARDEN. [_To_ G.o.dESBY.] Has she been here?

G.o.dESBY. Not that I know of.

MISS G.o.dESBY. [_Eager to hear more._] No, no!

JESSICA. No, they say not. She probably went first to Aunt Ruth's.

Before I got back, d.i.c.k, who'd been out--

WARDEN. He was at my house.

JESSICA. Yes. He came back, questioned Jordan as to where Blanche was, went upstairs, and then went away again, leaving a note for Blanche, which I found when I came home--

WARDEN. [_Eagerly._] Yes?

JESSICA. It simply said, ”Good-by. d.i.c.k.”

MISS G.o.dESBY. [_Very angry._] Oh!