He rises, goes over, and sees in the fireplace the twisted
envelope which holds the other tablets. He bends over to pick it up; he
stops short._] No! Why shouldn't I try it, anyway? She, herself, gives
me the chance! [_He rings the electric bell, and walking away from the
fireplace, takes up with a trembling hand the papers left by_ MASON; _he
wipes the damp from his forehead with his handkerchief. To_ JORDAN, _who
enters Left._] Light the fire quickly; I feel cold.
[_He sinks into the arm-chair, weak from the mental strain._
LEONARD. It's very warm in the house, sir.
STERLING. Do as I tell you--light the fire.
LEONARD. [_Looking for matches on the mantel, finds the box empty._]
There are no matches, sir; I must get one.
STERLING. No, don't go--here--here--
[_He gives him a match from his own box._ LEONARD _notices the trembling
hand and suppressed excitement of_ STERLING, _and involuntarily glances
up, but quickly looks back to his work and strikes a match. The match
goes out._
LEONARD. I shall need another match, please, sir.
STERLING. [_With one in his fingers taken from his match-box, he alters
his mind._] I have no more. [_He puts away his match-box._] Never mind
the fire; get me a pint bottle of champagne.
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