When I get the papers. You see what you've been made to pay for them already. Now listen to me closely. Tom, you listen, too. You know the value of these letters. If they are not recovered they will precipitate a turn-over that means not merely money but control and power. I doubt that even you would be re-elected. So what we have heard in this room must be forgotten--absolutely forgotten. Do you understand? {Chalmers} But it is adultery. {Starkweather} It is not necessary for that word to be mentioned. The point is that everything must be as it was formerly. {Chalmers} Yes, I understand. {Starkweather} (_To Margaret._) You hear. Tom will make no trouble. Now give me the papers. They are mine, you know. {Margaret} It seems to me the people, who have been lied to, and cajoled, and stolen from, are the rightful owners, not you. {Starkweather} Are you doing this out of love for this--this man, this demagogue? {Margaret} For the people, the children, the future. {Starkweather} Faugh! Answer me. {Margaret} (_Slowly._) Almost I do not know. Almost I do not know. (_A knock is heard at left rear. Dobleman answers._) {Dobleman} (_Looking at card Maid has given him, to Starkweather._) Mr. Rutland. {Starkweather} (_Making an impatient gesture, then abruptly changing his mind, speaking grimly._) Very well. Bring him in. I've paid a lot for the Church, now we'll see what the Church can do for me. {Connie} (_Impulsively crossing stage to Margaret, putting arms around her, and weeping._) Please, please, Madge, give up the papers, and everything will be hushed up. You heard what father said. Think what it means to me if this scandal comes out. Father will hush it up. Not a soul will dare to breathe a word of it. Give him the papers. {Margaret} (_Kissing her, shaking head, and setting her aside._) No; I can't. But Connie, dearest-- (_Connie pauses._) It is not true, Connie. He--he is not my lover. Tell me that you believe me. {Connie} (_Caressing her._) I do believe you. But won't you return the papers--for my sake? (_A knock at door._) {Margaret} I can't. (_Enter Rutland._) (_Connie returns to take care of Mrs. Starkweather._) {Rutland} (_Advances beamingly upon Starkweather._) My, what a family gathering. I hastened on at once, my dear Mr. Starkweather, to thank you in person, ere you fled away to New York, for your generously splendid--yes, generously splendid--contribution-- (_Here the strained situation dawns upon him, and he remains helplessly with mouth open, looking from one to another._) {Starkweather}