Theft Part 29

(_Heartily._) I can only tell you that what you did was wonderful.

Your telephone last night was a great relief. Where are they?

{Hubbard}

(_Drawing package of doc.u.ments from inside breast pocket and handing them over._) There they are--the complete set. I was fortunate.

{Starkweather}

(_Opening package and glancing at a number of the doc.u.ments while he talks._) You are modest, Mr. Hubbard.--It required more--than fortune.--It required ability--of no mean order.--The time was short.--You had to think--and act--with too great immediacy to be merely fortunate.

(_Hubbard bows, while Starkweather rearranges package._)

There is no need for me to tell you how I appreciate your service. I have increased my subscription to _Cartwright's_ to fifty thousand, and I shall speak to Dobleman, who will remit to you a more substantial acknowledgment than my mere thanks for the inestimable service you have rendered.

(_Hubbard bows._)

You--ah--you have read the doc.u.ments?

{Hubbard}

I glanced through them. They were indeed serious. But we have spiked Knox's guns. Without them, that speech of his this afternoon becomes a farce--a howling farce. Be sure you take good care of them.

(_Indicating doc.u.ments, which Starkweather still holds._) Gherst has a long arm.

{Starkweather}

He cannot reach me here. Besides, I go to New York to-day, and I shall carry them with me. Mr. Hubbard, you will forgive me--

(_Starting to pack dispatch box with papers and letters lying on desk._) I am very busy.

{Hubbard}

(_Taking the hint._) Yes, I understand. I shall be going now. I have to be at the Club in five minutes.

{Starkweather}

(_In course of packing dispatch box, he sets certain packets of papers and several medium-sized account books to one side in an orderly pile. He talks while he packs, and Hubbard waits._) I should like to talk with you some more--in New York. Next time you are in town be sure to see me. I am thinking of buying the _Parthenon Magazine_, and of changing its policy. I should like to have you negotiate this, and there are other important things as well. Good day, Mr. Hubbard. I shall see you in New York--soon.

(_Hubbard and Starkweather shake hands._)

(_Hubbard starts to make exit to right rear._)

(_Margaret enters from right rear._)

(_Starkweather goes on packing dispatch box through following scene._)

{Hubbard}

Mrs. Chalmers.

(_Holding out hand, which Margaret takes very coldly, scarcely inclining her head, and starting to pa.s.s on._) (_Speaking suddenly and savagely._) You needn't be so high and lofty, Mrs. Chalmers.

{Margaret}

(_Pausing and looking at him curiously as if to ascertain whether he has been drinking._) I do not understand.

{Hubbard}

You always treated me this way, but the time for it is past.

I won't stand for your superior goodness any more. You really impressed me with it for a long time, and you made me walk small.

But I know better now. A pretty game you've been playing--you, who are like any other woman. Well, you know where you were last night. So do I.

{Margaret}

You are impudent.

{Hubbard}

(_Doggedly._) I said I knew where you were last night. Mr. Knox also knows where you were. But I'll wager your husband doesn't.

{Margaret}

You spy!

(_Indicating her father._) I suppose you have told--him.

{Hubbard}

Why should I?

{Margaret}

You are his creature.

{Hubbard}

If it will ease your suspense, let me tell you that I have not told him. But I do protest to you that you must treat me with more--more kindness.

(_Margaret makes no sign but pa.s.ses on utterly oblivious of him._) (_Hubbard stares angrily at her and makes exit_) (_Starkweather, who is finishing packing, puts the doc.u.ments last inside box, and closes and locks it. To one side is the orderly stack of the several account books and packets of papers._)

{Starkweather}

Good morning, Margaret. I sent for you because we did not finish that talk last night. Sit down.

(_She gets a chair for herself and sits down._)

You always were hard to manage, Margaret. You have had too much will for a woman. Yet I did my best for you. Your marriage with Tom was especially auspicious--a rising man, of good family and a gentleman, eminently suitable--