Page:Hamilton play 1917.pdf/143

Rh [Rising.] Mr. Hamilton, as a trusted representative of the State of Virginia, I feel it my duty to ask you a few questions.

[Looks at '' hard for several moments and then sits. Great restraint.''] Yes.

In the first place, in what way is your wife mixed up

[''Springing up and striking table. Furious.''] Stop! There shall be no more of this. I am ashamed of the act that has led to this inquiry, but I am more ashamed of my cowardice in begging your charity. You shall have the facts. During the absence of my wife abroad, I became intimate with Mrs. Reynolds [Sensation.] It doesn't matter how or where, but the thing happened—to my eternal disgrace. Since that night I have been paying hush-money to the man Reynolds. He has never ceased to blackmail me. [Taking letters from drawer.] Here are his letters with demands for money. They form the sequel to those which you now hold; and here are three or four love letters from Mrs. Reynolds, which I am sure you will enjoy reading.

[''Rising. Thunderstruck.''] Alexander!