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.
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