Theft Part 23

(_Tommy yields, and crosses to right, where he joins Linda in looking out of the window._)

{Margaret}

You might ask me to take a seat

{Knox}

Oh! I beg pardon.

(_He draws up a comfortable chair for her, and seats himself in desk-chair, facing her._)

{Margaret}

I have only a few minutes. Tom is at father's, and I am to pick him up there and go on to that dinner, after I've taken Tommy home.

{Knox}

But your maid?

{Margaret}

Linda? Wild horses could not drag from her anything that she thought would harm me. So intense is her fidelity that it almost shames me. I do not deserve it. But this is not what I came to you about.

(_She speaks the following hurriedly._) After you left this afternoon, something happened. Father received a telegram. It seemed most important. His secretary followed upon the heels of the telegram. Father called Tom and Mr. Hubbard to him and they held a conference. I think they have discovered the loss of the doc.u.ments, and that they believe you have them. I did not hear them mention your name, yet I am absolutely certain that they were talking about you. Also, I could tell from father's face that something was terribly wrong. Oh, be careful! Do be careful!

{Knox}

There is no danger, I a.s.sure you.

{Margaret}

But you do not know them. I tell you you do not know them. They will stop at nothing--at nothing. Father believes he is right in all that he does.

{Knox}

I know. That is what makes him so formidable. He has an ethical sanction.

{Margaret}

(_Nodding._) It is his religion.

{Knox}

And, like any religion with a narrow-minded man, it runs to mania.

{Margaret}

He believes that civilization rests on him, and that it is his sacred duty to preserve civilization.

{Knox}

I know. I know.

{Margaret}

But you? But you? You are in danger.

{Knox}

No; I shall remain in to-night. To-morrow, in the broad light of midday, I shall proceed to the House and give my speech.

{Margaret}

(_Wildly._) Oh, if anything should happen to you!

{Knox}

(_Looking at her searchingly._) You do care?

(_Margaret nods, with eyes suddenly downcast._) For Howard Knox, the reformer? Or for me, the man?

{Margaret}

(_Impulsively._) Oh, why must a woman forever remain quiet? Why should I not tell you what you already know?--what you must already know? I do care for you--for man and reformer, both--for--

(_She is aflame, but abruptly ceases and glances across at Tommy by the window, warned instinctively that she must not give way to love in her child's presence._)

Linda! Will you take Tommy down to the machine--

{Knox}

(_Alarmed, interrupting, in low voice._) What are you doing?

{Margaret}

(_Hushing Knox with a gesture._) I'll follow you right down.

(_Linda and Tommy proceed across stage toward right exit._)

{Tommy}

(_Pausing before Knox and gravely extending his hand._) Good evening, Mr. Knox.

{Knox}

(_Awkwardly._) Good evening, Tommy. You take my word for it, and look up this Lincoln question.

{Tommy}