Theft Part 44

{Housekeeper}

(_Appearing around corner of screen._) I find nothing else, sir.

{Starkweather}

Is she stripped?

{Housekeeper}

 

Yes, sir.

{Starkweather}

Every st.i.tch?

{Housekeeper}

(_Disappearing behind screen instead of answering for a pause, during which it is patent that the ultimate st.i.tch is being removed, then reappearing._) Yes, sir.

{Starkweather}

Nothing?

{Housekeeper}

Nothing.

{Starkweather}

Throw out her clothes--everything.

(_A confused ma.s.s of feminine apparel is tossed out, falling near Dobleman's feet, who, in consequence, is hugely mortified and embarra.s.sed._)

(_Chalmers examines garments, then steps behind screen a moment, and reappears._)

{Chalmers}

Nothing.

(_Chalmers, Starkweather, and Hubbard gaze at each other dumbfoundedly._)

(_The two Maids come out from behind screen and stand near door to right rear._)

(_Starkweather is loath to believe, and steps to Margaret's garments and overhauls them._)

{Starkweather}

(_To Chalmers, looking inquiringly toward screen._) Are you sure?

{Chalmers}

Yes; I made certain. She hasn't them.

{Starkweather}

(_To Housekeeper._) Mrs. Middleton, examine those girls.

{Housekeeper}

(_Pa.s.sing hands over dresses of Maids._) No, sir.

{Margaret}

(_From behind screen, in a subdued, spiritless voice._) May I dress--now?

(_n.o.body answers._) It--it is quite chilly.

(_n.o.body answers._) Will you let Linda come to me, please?

(_Starkweather nods savagely to Linda, to obey._) (_Linda crosses to garments, gathers them up, and disappears behind screen._)

{Starkweather}

(_To Housekeeper._)

You may go.

(_Exit Housekeeper and the two Maids._)

{Dobleman}

(_Hesitating, after closing door._) Shall I lock it?

(_Starkweather does not answer, and Dobleman leaves door unlocked._)

{Connie}

(_Rising._) May I take mother away?

(_Starkweather, who is in a brown study, nods._) (_Connie a.s.sists Mrs. Starkweather to her feet._)

{Mrs. Starkweather}

(_Staggering weakly, and sinking back into chair._) Let me rest a moment, Connie. I'll be better. (_To Starkweather, who takes no notice._) Anthony, I am going to bed. This has been too much for me. I shall be sick. I shall never catch that train to-day.

(_Shudders and sighs, leans head back, closes eyes, and Connie fans her or administers smelling salts._)

{Chalmers}