ather}

{Margaret}, a few minutes ago, when you told me there was nothing
between you and this man, you lied to me--lied to me as only a
wicked woman can lie.

{Margaret}

It is clear that you believe the worst.

{Starkweather}

There is nothing less than the worst to be believed. Besides,
more heinous than your relations with this man is what you have
done here in this room, stolen from me, and practically before
my very eyes. Well, you have crossed your will with mine, and in
affairs beyond your province. This is a man's game in which you
are attempting to play, and you shall take the consequences. Tom
will apply for a divorce.

{Margaret}

That threat, at least, is without power.

{Starkweather}

And by that means we can break Knox as effectually as by any
other. That is one thing the good stupid people will not tolerate
in a chosen representative. We will make such a scandal of it--

{Mrs. Starkweather}

(_Shocked._) Anthony!

{Starkweather}

(_Glancing irritably at his wife and continuing._) Another thing.
Being proven an adulterous woman, morally unfit for companionship
with your child, your child will be taken away from you.

{Margaret}

No, no. That cannot be. I have done nothing wrong. No court, no
fair-minded judge, would so decree on the evidence of a creature
like that.

(_Indicating Hubbard._)

{Hubbard}

My evidence is supported. In an adjoining room were two men.
I happen to know, because I placed them there. They were your
father's men at that. There is such a thing as seeing through a
locked door. They saw.

{Margaret}

And they would swear to--to anything.

{Hubbard}

I doubt not they will know to what to swear.

{Starkweather}

Margaret, I have told you some, merely some, of the things I
shall do. It is not too late. Return the papers, and everything
will be forgotten.

{Margaret}

You would condone this--this adultery. You, who have just said
that I was morally unfit to have my own boy, will permit me to
retain him. I had never dreamed, father, that your own immorality
would descend to such vile depths. Believing this shameful thing
of me, you will forgive and forget it all for the sake of a few
scraps of paper that stand for money, that stand for a license to
rob and steal from the people. Is this your morality--money?

{Starkweather}

I have my morality. It is not money. I am only a steward; but so
highly do I conceive the duties of my stewardship--

{