nts 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 documents?

{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 documents, 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 pass 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.