WARDEN. Nothing but watch him closely till the people go. Then force him to make a clean breast of it, so we can all know where we stand; how we can best protect his aunt from ruin and his wife and boy from public disgrace. MASON. He is watching us. WARDEN. He knows I know him; we must be careful. He's coming toward us. [_He then speaks in a different tone, but no louder._] You're certain of the trustworthiness of your information? MASON. Absolutely. Every man left in that concern will be ruined before the 'Change closes after to-morrow. [STERLING _has joined them in time to hear the end of_ MASON'S _speech._ MASON _continues._] I am telling Warden what I told you about the Hudson Electric Company. STERLING. Can't you talk of something pleasanter? [BLANCHE _reenters at back. On her entrance all the men rise. The servants finish preparing the room for the tree._ BLANCHE. I'm very sorry--I really can't let you men stay here any longer. ALL THE MEN. Why not? How's that? [_Ad lib._] BLANCHE. You know we want to get this room ready for Santa Claus! Dick! [_She goes to her husband. All the men go out at back in a group led by_ WARDEN _and_ MASON. _They are all talking and laughing._ BLANCHE _is left alone with her husband._] What is this Aunt Ruth has been telling me about not being able to get some bonds from you? STERLING. Oh, nothing. I forgot to send them up to her, that's all. BLANCHE. But she says she sent three times. STERLING. One time too late to get into the vault; and the other, her letter was mislaid--I mean not given to me. BLANCHE. You haven't broken your word to me? STERLING. What if I had? BLANCHE. I would let the law take its course. STERLING. You must love me very little. BLANCHE. I _live_ with you. First you robbed me of my respect for you; then you dried up my heart with neglect. STERLING. And our boy? BLANCHE. Your blood runs in his veins; your shame and disgrace would be a fearful warning to him. It might kill _me_; but never mind, if it _saved him_. STERLING. Oh, well, I haven't broken my word! So you needn't worry. I've been honest enough. BLANCHE. [_With a long sigh of relief._] Oh! I hope so! MRS. HUNTER. [_Appearing in doorway at back._] The men are in the drawing-room--shall we come _here_? BLANCHE. Yes, we'll bring the others, mother. Come, Dick. [_She goes out with_ MRS. HUNTER _at back._ STERLING. [_Goes to door Right, opens it, and calls._] Leonard! [LEONARD _enters Right_ LEONARD. Yes, sir? STERLING. Go up to my library at the top of the house, get a railroad guide you will find there, and bring it down and put it on the table in the hall just outside the drawing-room door. LEONARD. Yes, sir. STERLING. Then go to my room and pack my bag and dressing case. Do you understand? LEONARD. Yes, sir. [_The women are heard singing "Follow the Man from Cook's," and gradually coming nearer._ STERLING. Be quick, and say nothing to any one. LEONARD. Yes, sir.