Theft Part 29

(_Heartily._) I can only tell you that what you did was wonderful.

Your telephone last night was a great relief. Where are they?

{Hubbard}

(_Drawing package of doc.u.ments from inside breast pocket and handing them over._) There they are--the complete set. I was fortunate.

{Starkweather}

(_Opening package and glancing at a number of the doc.u.ments 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 doc.u.ments?

{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 doc.u.ments, 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 pa.s.s 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.

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 pa.s.ses on utterly oblivious of him._) (_Hubbard stares angrily at her and makes exit_) (_Starkweather, who is finis.h.i.+ng packing, puts the doc.u.ments 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--