Theft Part 15

(_Servant crosses to Chalmers and Hubbard, both of whom immediately arise and cross to Starkweather._)

(_While this is being done, Margaret rea.s.sembles the three broken groups into one, seating herself so that she can watch Starkweather and his group across the stage._)

(_Servant lingers to receive a command from Margaret._)

(_Chalmers and Hubbard wait a moment, standing, while Starkweather rereads telegram._)

{Starkweather}

(_Standing up._) Dobleman has just forwarded this telegram. It's from New York--from Martinaw. There's been rottenness. My papers and letter-files have been ransacked. It's the confidential stenographer who has been tampered with--you remember that middle-aged, youngish-oldish woman, Tom? That's the one.--Where's that servant?

(_Servant is just making exit._) Here! Come here!

(_Servant comes over to Starkweather._) Go to the telephone and call up Dobleman. Tell him to come here.

{Servant}

(_Perplexed._) I beg pardon, sir.

{Starkweather}

(_Irritably._) My secretary. At my house. Dobleman. Tell him to come at once.

(_Servant makes exit._)

{Chalmers}

But who can be the princ.i.p.al behind this theft?

(_Starkweather shrugs his shoulders._)

{Hubbard}

A blackmailing device most probably. They will attempt to bleed you--

{Chalmers}

Unless--

{Starkweather}

(_Impatiently._) Yes?

{Chalmers}

Unless they are to be used to-morrow in that speech of Knox.

(_Comprehension dawns on the faces of the other two men._)

{Mrs. Starkweather}

(_Who has arisen._) Anthony, we must go now. Are you ready? Connie has to dress.

{Starkweather}

I am not going now. You and Connie take the car.

{Mrs. Starkweather}

You mustn't forget you are going to that dinner.

{Starkweather}

(_Wearily._) Do I ever forget?

(_Servant enters and proceeds toward Starkweather, where he stands waiting while Mrs. Starkweather finishes the next speech.

Starkweather listens to her with a patient, stony face._)

{Mrs. Starkweather}

Oh, these everlasting politics! That is what it has been all afternoon--high prices, graft, and theft; theft, graft, and high prices. It is terrible. When I was a girl we did not talk of such things. Well, come on, Connie.

{Mrs. Dowsett}

(_Rising and glancing at Dowsett._) And we must be going, too.

(_During the following scene, which takes place around Starkweather, Margaret is saying good-bye to her departing guests._)

(_Mrs. Starkweather and Connie make exit._)

(_Dowsett and Mrs. Dowsett make exit._)

(_The instant Mrs. Dowsett's remark puts a complete end to Mrs.

Starkweather's speech, Starkweather, without answer or noticing his wife, turns and interrogates Servant with a glance._)

{Servant}

Mr. Dobleman has already left some time to come here, sir.

{Starkweather}

Show him in as soon as he comes.

{Servant}

Yes, sir.

(_Servant makes exit._)