Winth. With your permission.

Char. (at the door). Oh, certainly. Come in, come in. Perhaps you
think you'll find other of your friends?

Winth. Madam, my quickest way is to make the best of a bad
business, for you must see my duty in this matter. My men, with your
permission, must search your house and then your grounds.

Mrs. S. I have told you, sir, that no one can deny the right of
conquest.

[Winthrop, white and silent, turns to the men.

Winth. Hopkins, will you conduct the search, as quickly and as
quietly as possible?

Hop. As you say.

[He and the soldiers start to the door, but are stopped by a cry
from Charlotte, who stands between curtains at door center.

Char. Wait there! Your search shall not be long. See, I have all
you wish. I have the paper here! (She tears it from the front of her
dress). See, all the plans! Your visit shall not be in vain. And if you
want a prisoner, and if you are not satisfied, why then take me. Ha!
I am not afraid of you! Come, take me as your spy; I'll do you men no
harm. Here, take the paper; it's all you need. I have the information,
but I'll give it back to you. (She tears the paper in pieces, flinging