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{Housekeeper}
(_Appearing around corner of screen._) I find nothing else, sir.
{Starkweather}
Is she stripped?
{Housekeeper}
Yes, sir.
{Starkweather}
Every st.i.tch?
{Housekeeper}
(_Disappearing behind screen instead of answering for a pause, during which it is patent that the ultimate st.i.tch is being removed, then reappearing._) Yes, sir.
{Starkweather}
Nothing?
{Housekeeper}
Nothing.
{Starkweather}
Throw out her clothes--everything.
(_A confused ma.s.s of feminine apparel is tossed out, falling near Dobleman's feet, who, in consequence, is hugely mortified and embarra.s.sed._)
(_Chalmers examines garments, then steps behind screen a moment, and reappears._)
{Chalmers}
Nothing.
(_Chalmers, Starkweather, and Hubbard gaze at each other dumbfoundedly._)
(_The two Maids come out from behind screen and stand near door to right rear._)
(_Starkweather is loath to believe, and steps to Margaret's garments and overhauls them._)
{Starkweather}
(_To Chalmers, looking inquiringly toward screen._) Are you sure?
{Chalmers}
Yes; I made certain. She hasn't them.
{Starkweather}
(_To Housekeeper._) Mrs. Middleton, examine those girls.
{Housekeeper}
(_Pa.s.sing hands over dresses of Maids._) No, sir.
{Margaret}
(_From behind screen, in a subdued, spiritless voice._) May I dress--now?
(_n.o.body answers._) It--it is quite chilly.
(_n.o.body answers._) Will you let Linda come to me, please?
(_Starkweather nods savagely to Linda, to obey._) (_Linda crosses to garments, gathers them up, and disappears behind screen._)
{Starkweather}
(_To Housekeeper._)
You may go.
(_Exit Housekeeper and the two Maids._)
{Dobleman}
(_Hesitating, after closing door._) Shall I lock it?
(_Starkweather does not answer, and Dobleman leaves door unlocked._)
{Connie}
(_Rising._) May I take mother away?
(_Starkweather, who is in a brown study, nods._) (_Connie a.s.sists Mrs. Starkweather to her feet._)
{Mrs. Starkweather}
(_Staggering weakly, and sinking back into chair._) Let me rest a moment, Connie. I'll be better. (_To Starkweather, who takes no notice._) Anthony, I am going to bed. This has been too much for me. I shall be sick. I shall never catch that train to-day.
(_Shudders and sighs, leans head back, closes eyes, and Connie fans her or administers smelling salts._)
{Chalmers}
