Part 18 (1/2)

{Margaret}

(_Acting her part, and speaking with a.s.sumed gayety._) What are you three conspiring about? (_All three men are startled._)

{Chalmers}

We are arranging to boost prices a little higher.

{Hubbard}

And so be able to acc.u.mulate more motorcars.

{Starkweather}

(_Taking no notice of Margaret and starting toward exit to rear._) I must be going. Hubbard, you have your work cut out for you.

Tom, I want you to come with me.

{Chalmers}

(_As the three men move toward exit._) Home?

{Starkweather}

Yes, we have much to do.

{Chalmers}

Then I'll dress first and follow you.

(_Turning to Margaret._) Pick me up on the way to that dinner.

(_Margaret nods. Starkweather makes exit without speaking.

Hub-bard says good-bye to Margaret and makes exit, followed by Chalmers._)

(_Margaret remains standing, one hand resting on table, the other hand to her breast. She is thinking, establis.h.i.+ng in her mind the connection between Knox and what she has overheard, and in process of reaching the conclusion that Knox is in danger._)

(_Tommy, having vainly waited to be discovered, crawls out dispiritedly, and takes Margaret by the hand. She scarcely notices him._)

{Tommy} (_Dolefully._) Don't you want to play any more? (_Margaret does not reply_). I was a good Indian.

{Margaret}

(_Suddenly becoming aware of herself and breaking down. She stoops and clasps Tommy in her arms, crying out, in anxiety and fear, and from love of her boy._) Oh, Tommy! Tommy!

Curtain

ACT II

Scene. _Sitting room of Howard Knox--dimly lighted. Time, eight o'clock in the evening.