ose generously splendid donations. (_Starkweather sneers._)

{Rutland}

(_Embarrassed, hopelessly at sea._) This is, I fear--ahem--too
delicate a matter, Mr. Starkweather, for me to interfere. I would
suggest that it be advisable for me to withdraw--ahem--

{Starkweather}

(_Musingly._) So the Church fails me, too.

(_To Rutland._) No, you shall stay right here.

{Margaret}

Father, Tommy is down in the machine alone. Won't you let me go?

{Starkweather}

Give me the papers.

(_Mrs. Starkweather rises and totters across to Margaret, moaning
and whimpering._)

{Mrs. Starkweather}

Madge, Madge, it can't be true. I don't believe it. I know you
have not done this awful thing. No daughter of mine could be
guilty of such wickedness. I refuse to believe my ears--

(_Mrs. Starkweather sinks suddenly on her knees before Margaret,
with clasped hands, weeping hysterically._)

{Starkweather}

(_Stepping to her side._) Get up.

(_Hesitates and thinks._) No; go on. She might listen to you.

{Margaret}

(_Attempting to raise her mother._) Don't, mother, don't. Please
get up.

(_Mrs. Starkweather resists her hysterically._) You don't
understand, mother. Please, please, get up.

{Mrs. Starkweather}

Madge, I, your mother, implore you, on my bended knees. Give up
the papers to your father, and I shall forget all I have heard.
Think of the family name. I don't believe it, not a word of
it; but think of the shame and disgrace. Think of me. Think of
Connie, your sister. Think of Tommy. You'll have your father in
a terrible state. And you'll kill me. (_Moaning and rolling her
head._)

I'm going to be sick. I know I am going to be sick.

{Margaret}

(_Bending over mother and raising her, while Connie comes across
stage to help support mother._) Mother, you do not understand.
More is at stake than the good name of the family or--(_Looking
at Rutland._)--God. You speak of Connie and Tommy. There are two
millions of Connies and Tommys working as child laborers in the
United States to-day. Think of them. And besides, mother, these
are all lies you have heard. There is nothing between Mr.
Knox and me. He is not my lover. I am not the--the shameful
thing--these men have said I am.

{Connie}

(_Appealingly._) Madge.

{Margaret}

(_Appealingly._) Connie. Trust me. I am right. I know I am right.

(_Mrs. Starkweather, supported by Connie, moaning incoherently, is
led back across stage to chair._)

{Starkwe