bell and ringing._) Oh yes you do. They are more
valuable right now than anything else in the world.

{Knox}

(_Shaking his head._) I wish it hadn't happened.

{Margaret}

(_Returning to him, pausing by his chair, and caressing his hair._)
What?

{Knox}

This morning--your recovering the letters. I had adjusted
myself to their loss, and the loss of the fight, and the finding
of--you.

(_He reaches up, draws down her hand, and presses it to his lips._)
So--give them back to your father.

(_Margaret draws quickly away from him._) (_Enter Man-servant at
right rear._)

{Margaret}

Send Linda to me.

(_Exit Man-servant._)

{Knox}

What are you doing?

{Margaret}

(_Sitting down._) I am going to send Linda for them. They are still
in my father's house, hidden, of all places, behind Lincoln's
portrait. He will guard them safely, I know.

{Knox}

(_With fervor._) Margaret! Margaret! Don't send for them. Let them
go. I don't want them.

(_Rising and going toward her impulsively._) (_Margaret rises and
retreats, holding him off._) I want you--you--you.

(_He catches her hand and kisses it. She tears it away from him,
but tenderly._)

{Margaret}

(_Still retreating, roguishly and tenderly._) Dear, dear man, I
love to see you so. But it cannot be.

(_Looking anxiously toward right rear._) No, no, please, please sit
down.

(_Enter Linda from right rear. She is dressed for the street._)

{Margaret}

(_Surprised._) Where are you going?

{Linda}

Tommy and the nurse and I were going down town. There is some
shopping she wants to do.

{Margaret}

Very good. But go first to my father's house. Listen closely. In
the library, behind the portrait of Lincoln--you know it? (_Linda
nods._)

You will find a packet of papers. It took me five seconds to put
it there. It will take you no longer to get it. Let no one see
you. Let it appear as though you had brought Tommy to see his
grandmother and cheer her up. You know she is not feeling very
well just now. After you get the papers, leave Tommy there and
bring them immediately back to me. Step on a chair to the ledge
of the bookcase, and reach behind the portrait. You should be
back inside fifteen minutes. Take the car.

{Linda}

Tommy and the nurse are already in it, waiting for me.

{Margaret}

Be careful. Be quick.

(_Linda nods to each instruction and makes exit._)

{Knox}

(_Bursting out passionately._) This is madness. You are sacr