o center and speaking to Margaret._)
Come over here.

(_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 documents.

(_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