_A handsomely furnished sitting-room, the general entrance of which from the floor below is at the right. Beyond this a broad window is seen as the moonlight faintly filters through the trees outside. Directly opposite, some smoldering logs betray a fireplace, near which is another door opening into_ PAULA’S _apartments. Large double doors in the center open into a hallway leading to library. A telephone is on a large writing-table, upon which a light, with a luxurious shade suspended above, casts a strong yellow glow. The furnishings show signs of tasteless wealth and are devoid of any feminine touch._ SABINE _and_ RANDOLPH _are bending over some documents_. SABINE _is about thirty-three, clean-shaven with shrewd eyes and a conspicuously insinuating smile. The manner with which he feels for his words and his studied coolness suggest a deep and significant interest in the developments._ RANDOLPH _is fifty, well-preserved and possessing the assurance of permanent prosperity: he is apparently without illusions as the lines about his slightly protruding eyes and thick lips indicate a dissipated life_. _Though the two men are obviously considerate, there is concealed an instinctive mistrust. They are silent a long while until_ RANDOLPH _looks up from the papers_. SABINE Anything else? RANDOLPH How long will those compilations take? SABINE Same as the others. RANDOLPH A month each, eh? You’ve done ... let’s see.... SABINE I’ve been your secretary for three months. RANDOLPH And you’ve been at these every evening--ever since I took you in. SABINE I wouldn’t put it that way. RANDOLPH You are sure you can still find all you need in my own library here? SABINE All I need--behind the closed doors. RANDOLPH (_Casually_) I shall see that my orders not to disturb you are continued. SABINE I’ve noticed you never even come yourself. RANDOLPH I like to think of young genius being left alone. SABINE (_Mock seriously_) And out of harm’s way? RANDOLPH Exactly--at night. (_Half to himself._) Another month will about finish it. SABINE (_Significantly_) Mr. Randolph, you are paying rather high for---- RANDOLPH (_Eyeing him quickly_) For what? SABINE (_Turning the pages casually_) Unremunerative work. RANDOLPH One never pays too high for what one wants. SABINE Not at the time. (_They look at each other_: SABINE _slowly gathers the papers together and glances towards_ RANDOLPH _who is coolly staring before him. There is a quiet pause. Then_ SABINE _opens the library door and casually steps back_.) Your daughter. (_Calmly to_ PAULA) Your father is here, Miss Randolph. (PAULA _enters with a book in hand. She is twenty-three and charming, with a sweet innocent air which suggests a hedged-in life. She is dressed in a simple tea-gown and her manner throughout is calm and unsophisticated._) PAULA Good evening, Mr. Sabine. RANDOLPH Where have you been, Paula? PAULA Getting a book.