Part 33 (1/2)

(_Margaret follows. She is obedient, frightened, very subdued--but resolved._)

Why have you done this? Were you truthful when you said there was nothing between you and this man Knox?

{Margaret}

Father; don't discuss this before the--

(_Indicating Dobleman._)--the servants.

{Starkweather}

You should have considered that before you stole the doc.u.ments.

(_Dobleman, in the meantime, is telephoning in a low voice._)

{Margaret}

There are certain dignities--

{Starkweather}

(_Interrupting._) Not for a thief.

(_Speaking intensely and in a low voice._) Margaret, it is not too late. Give them back, and no one shall know.

(_A pause, in which Margaret is silent, in the throes of indecision._)

{Dobleman}

Mr. Hubbard says he will be here in three minutes. Fortunately, Senator Chalmers is with him.

(_Starkweather nods and looks at Margaret._) (_Door at left rear opens, and enter Mrs. Starkweather and Connie. They are dressed for the street and evidently just going out._)

{Mrs. Starkweather}

(_Speaking in a rush._) We are just going out, Anthony. You were certainly wrong in making us attempt to take that 2:10 train.

I simply can't make it. I know I can't. It would have been much wiser--

(_Suddenly apprehending the strain of the situation between Starkweather and Margaret._)--Why, what is the matter?

{Starkweather}

(_Patently disturbed by their entrance, speaking to Dobleman, who has finished with the telephone._) Lock the doors.

(_Dobleman proceeds to obey._)

{Mrs. Starkweather}

Mercy me! Anthony! What has happened?