it makes no sound.--and sat down
again--all while your back was turned.

{Starkweather}

Margaret, is this true?

{Margaret}

(_Excitedly._) Yes, the window. Why didn't you think of it before?
Of course, the window. He--somebody was waiting. They are gone
now--miles and miles away. You will never get them. They are in
his hands now. He will use them in his speech this afternoon.
(_Laughs wildly._)

(_Suddenly changing her tone to mock meekness, subtle with
defiance._) May I go--now?

(_Nobody answers, and she makes exit._) (_A moments pause, during
which Starkweather, Chalmers, and Hubbard look at each other in
stupefaction._)

ACT IV

Scene. _Same as Act I. It is half past one of same day. Curtain
discloses Knox seated at right front and waiting. He is dejected
in attitude._

(_Margaret enters from right rear, and advances to him. He rises
awkwardly and shakes hands. She is very calm and self-possessed._)

{Margaret}

I knew you would come. Strange that I had to send for you so soon
after last night--

(_With alarm and sudden change of manner._) What is the matter? You
are sick. Your hand is cold.

(_She warms it in both of her hands._)

{Knox}

It is flame or freeze with me.

(_Smiling._) And I'd rather flame.

{Margaret}

(_Becoming aware that she is warming his hand._)

Sit down and tell me what is the matter.

(_Leading him by the hand she seats him, at the same time seating
herself._)

{Knox}

(_Abruptly._) After you left last night, Hubbard stole those
documents back again.

{Margaret}

(_Very matter-of-fact._) Yes; he was in your bedroom while I was
there.

{Knox}

(_Startled._) How do you know that? Anyway, he did not know who you
were.

{Margaret}

Oh yes he did.

{Knox}

(_Angrily._) And he has dared--?

{Margaret}

Yes; not two hours ago. He announced the fact before my father,
my mother, Connie, the servants, everybody.

{Knox}

(_Rising to his feet and beginning to pace perturbedly up and
down._) The cur!

{Margaret} (_Quietly._) I believe, among other things, I told him
he was that myself.

(_She laughs cynically._) Oh, it was a pretty family party, I
assure you. Mother said she didn't believe it--but that was
only hysteria. Of course she believes it--the worst. So does
Connie--everybody.

{Knox}

(_Stopping abruptly and looking at her horror-stricken._) You don't
mean they charged----?

{Margaret}

No; I don't mean that. I mean mor