that certain.

{Chalmers}

But what motive could she have for such an act?

(_Hubbard looks wise._)

{Starkweather}

(_To Hubbard._) You know more about this than would appear. What is
it?

{Hubbard}

I'd rather not. It is too--

(_Looks significantly at Mrs. Starkweather and
Connie._)--er--delicate.

{Starkweather}

This affair has gone beyond all delicacy. What is it?

{Margaret}

No! No!

(_Chalmers and Starkweather look at her with sudden suspicion._)

{Starkweather}

Go on, Mr. Hubbard.

{Hubbard}

I'd--I'd rather not.

{Starkweather}

(_Savagely._) I say go on.

{Hubbard}

(_With simulated reluctance._) Last night--I saw--I was in Knox's
rooms--

{Margaret}

(_Interrupting._) One moment; please. Let him speak, but first send
Connie away.

{Starkweather}

No one shall leave this room till the documents are produced.
Margaret, give me the letters, and Connie can leave quietly, and
even will Hubbard's lips remain sealed. They will never breathe a
word of whatever shameful thing his eyes saw. This I promise you.

(_A pause, wherein he waits vainly for Margaret to make a
decision._) Go on, Hubbard.

{Margaret}

(_Who is terror-stricken, and has been wavering._) No! Don't! I'll
tell. I'll give you back the documents.

(_All are expectant She wavers again, and steels herself to
resolution._) No; I haven't them. Say all you have to say.

{Starkweather}

You see. She has them. She said she would give them back.

(_To Hubbard._) Go on.

{Hubbard}

Last night--

{Connie}

(_Springing up._) I won't stay!

(_She rushes to left rear and finds door locked._) Let me out! Let
me out!

{Mrs. Starkweather}

(_Moaning and lying back in chair, legs stretched out and giving
preliminary twitches and jerks of hysteria._) I shall die! I shall
die! I know I shall die!

{Starkweather}

(_Sternly, to Connie._) Go back to your mother.

{Connie}

(_Returning reluctantly to side of Mrs. Starkweather, sitting down
beside her, and putting fingers in her own ears._) I won't listen!
I won't listen!

{Starkweather}

(_Sternly._) Take your fingers down.

{Hubbard}

Hang it all, Chalmers, I wish I were out of this. I don't want to
testify.

{Starkweather}

Take your fingers down.

(_Connie reluctantly removes her fingers._) Now, Hubbard.

{Hubbard}

I protest. I am being dragged into this.

{Chalmers}

You can't help yourself now. You have cast black suspicions on m