Theft Part 33

(_Margaret follows. She is obedient, frightened, very subdued--but resolved._)

Why have you done this? Were you truthful when you said there was nothing between you and this man Knox?

{Margaret}

Father; don't discuss this before the--

(_Indicating Dobleman._)--the servants.

{Starkweather}

You should have considered that before you stole the doc.u.ments.

(_Dobleman, in the meantime, is telephoning in a low voice._)

{Margaret}

There are certain dignities--

{Starkweather}

(_Interrupting._) Not for a thief.

(_Speaking intensely and in a low voice._) Margaret, it is not too late. Give them back, and no one shall know.

(_A pause, in which Margaret is silent, in the throes of indecision._)

{Dobleman}

Mr. Hubbard says he will be here in three minutes. Fortunately, Senator Chalmers is with him.

(_Starkweather nods and looks at Margaret._) (_Door at left rear opens, and enter Mrs. Starkweather and Connie. They are dressed for the street and evidently just going out._)

{Mrs. Starkweather}

(_Speaking in a rush._) We are just going out, Anthony. You were certainly wrong in making us attempt to take that 2:10 train.

I simply can't make it. I know I can't. It would have been much wiser--

(_Suddenly apprehending the strain of the situation between Starkweather and Margaret._)--Why, what is the matter?

{Starkweather}

(_Patently disturbed by their entrance, speaking to Dobleman, who has finished with the telephone._) Lock the doors.

(_Dobleman proceeds to obey._)

{Mrs. Starkweather}

Mercy me! Anthony! What has happened?

(_A pause._) Madge! What has happened?

{Starkweather}

You will have to wait here a few minutes, that is all.

{Mrs. Starkweather}

But I must keep my engagements. And I haven't a minute to spare.

(_Looking at Dobleman locking doors._) I do not understand.

{Starkweather}

(_Grimly,_) You will, shortly. I can trust no one any more. When my daughter sees fit to steal--

{Mrs. Starkweather}

Steal!--Margaret! What have you been doing now?

{Margaret}

Where is Tommy?

(_Mrs. Starkwater is too confounded to answer, and can only stare from face to face._) (_Margaret looks her anxiety to Connie._)

{Connie}

He is already down in the machine waiting for us. You are coming, aren't you?

{Starkweather}

Let him wait in the machine. Margaret will come when I get done with her.

(_A knock is heard at right rear._) (_Starkweather looks at Dobleman and signifies that he is to open door._)

(_Dobleman unlocks door, and Hubbabd and Chalmers enter. Beyond the shortest of nods and recognitions with eyes, greetings are cut short by the strain that is on all. Dobleman relocks door._)

{Starkweather}

(_Plunging into it._) Look here, Tom. You know those letters Gherst stole. Mr. Hubbard recovered them from Knox and returned them to me this morning. Within five minutes Margaret stole them from me--here, right in this room. She has not left the room. They are on her now. I want them.

{Chalmers}

(_Who is obviously incapable of coping with his wife, and who is panting for breath, his hand pressed to his side._) Madge, is this true?

{Margaret}

I haven't them. I tell you I haven't them.