JAYSON--[Moodily.] This dislike of the very mention of children.
It isn't like Curt, not a bit.

JOHN--There's something rotten in Denmark somewhere. This family
will yet live to regret having accepted a stranger--

SHEFFIELD--[Mollifyingly--with a judicial air.] Come now! This is
all only suspicion. There is no evidence; you have no case; and
the defendant is innocent until you have proved her guilty,
remember. [Getting to his feet.] Well, let's break up. Esther, you
and I ought to be getting home. [They all rise.]

JAYSON--[Testily.] Well, if I were sure it would all blow over
without any open scandal, I'd offer up a prayer of thanks. [The
Curtain Falls]





ACT II


SCENE--CURTIS JAYSON'S study. On the left, forward, a gun rack in
which are displayed several varieties of rifles and shotguns.
Farther back, three windows looking out on the garden. In the rear
wall, an open fireplace with two leather arm-chairs in front of
it. To right of fireplace, a door leading into the living-room. In
the far right corner, another chair. In the right wall, three
windows looking out on the lawn and garden. On this side, front, a