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 passes on utterly oblivious of him._)
(_Hubbard stares angrily at her and makes exit_) (_Starkweather,
who is finishing packing, puts the documents 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--

{Margaret}

(_Interrupting bitterly._) I don't think you were considering your
daughter at all in the matter. I know your views on woman and
woman's place. I have never counted for anything with you.
Neither has mother, nor Connie, when business was uppermost, and
business always is uppermost with you. I sometimes wonder if you
think a woman has a soul. As for my marriage--you saw that Tom
could be useful to you. He had the various distinctive points you
have mentioned. Better than that he was pliable, capable of being
molded to perform your work, to manipulate machine politics and
procure for you the legislation you desired. You did not consider
what kind of a husband he would make for your daughter whom you
did not know. But you gave your daughter to him--sold her to
him--because you needed him--

(_Laughs hysterically._) In your business.

{Starkweather}

(_Angrily._) Margaret! You must not speak that way. (_Relaxing._)

Ah, you do not change. You were always that wa