Why Marry? Part 59

[_with a cynical grin_]

Then why accept his tainted money?

THEODORE

[_from his soul_]

To keep my wife alive. To keep my children out of the streets. To keep myself out of deeper debt to you. That's why I accept it--that's why many a man sells his soul to the devil.... If I had only myself to consider--why, to me a little thing like death would be a blessed luxury. But I, why, John, I cannot afford--even to die. I must compromise and live--live for those dependent on me.... Your five thousand will be returned with interest, but your little sister will not be married to a man she does not want.

JOHN

But Rex wants _her_ and money talks in this world, louder than the Church. Refuse to marry Baker's son and how long will you keep Baker's chapel?... Think it over, Theodore, think it over.

[_Suddenly the JUDGE in motor garments covered with dust comes out panting, followed by LUCY calling._

LUCY

Uncle Everett! Uncle Everett!

JUDGE

John! Oh, John!

JOHN

Where is she!

THEODORE

You were too late!

JUDGE

Wait! Give me time to get my breath.

[_Fans himself with his cap and mops brow._

JOHN

My detective--didn't he meet their train?

[_JUDGE nods yes._

LUCY

But they saw him first?

[_JUDGE shakes head no._

THEODORE

Didn't he follow them?

[_JUDGE nods yes._

JOHN

Where'd they go? Where are they? Speak, man, speak!

JUDGE

[_raises cap and handkerchief_]

Now, just give me a chance and I'll tell the whole story.... The detective was waiting at the station. He saw them step out of the train. He followed them to the cab-stand. He watched them get into a taxi--jumped into another himself--and away they went, pursued by the detective and blissfully ignorant of his existence.... Even now they don't know they were being watched--or else ... well, they might have taken another course.

LUCY

Quick! Tell us the worst.

JUDGE

[_hesitates_]

Well ... they drove straight to Helen's apartment.

LUCY

And you were too late. I thought so.

JOHN

But my detective?