Act III
Scene.—Same as in Act II. In October of the same year. There are flowers about, accentuating the feeling that the woman of the house has come back. The furniture is all placed as at the rise of the second act. On the mantelpiece up stage end is a small vase of autumn flowers. On small table above fireplace large bowl of autumn flowers. On bookcase center at back a vase of goldenrod, on bookcase left, a small vase with yellow flowers and on Hamilton’s table a glass bowl of violets. Washington’s chair is placed a little further to left. The chair against wall below door left is removed and placed at left of Hamilton’s table. The small chair back of sofa is placed under small table at window on right. A chair similar to the other chairs in the room is placed back of sofa. There are fresh lace curtains at windows.
Betsy is discovered on steps at center window, hanging last pair of curtains, assisted by Zekiel, who stands left of steps. She is in the highest of spirits and laughs at Zekiel’s fears for her safety.
Betsy
Laughing. Now, Zekiel, catch these curtains when I drop them.
Zekiel
I certainly do wish you’d let me come up them steps ’stead ob you, Mis’ Betsy.
Betsy
Why, you dear old darky, you stay where you’re safe.
Zekiel
Yo’ve come all cross de ocean an’ yo’ still alive. Don’ want nothin’ to happen to yo’ no sooner’n yo’ get on tere firm. When yo’ come home las’ night, I cut’ny was glad to see yo’—an’ Mis’ Angelica, too—and Mars’ Ham’ton has been jumpin’ about lak a schoolboy evah since.
Betsy
Now—catch! Drops curtain. And remember, Zekiel, when you get married and have a house of your own—
Zekiel
Yapping. Me git married! Ha, ha! Yo’ sure is amusin’. Guess if I evah get mar’d, I won’t have nothin’ ob ma own. Laughs.
Betsy
Remember if you have lace curtains … you have clean ones.
Enter Angelica Church in street clothes, door up R., apparently coming from the street.
Angelica
Why, Betsy Hamilton! Closing door and to C. I called to see if you were up! I see you are!
Betsy
Up on the ladder. Angelica Church, the next time you have scarlet fever, I hope you’ll have it in your own country and not drag me over to England to nurse you. The state of this house is beyond belief. Mounting another step.
Angelica
Betsy, if you’re going to mount any higher, you’d better let me come and hold those steps.
Goes to steps R. of them.
Betsy
Now, Zekiel, take those curtains and give them to Mary for the wash.
Zekiel
I will do that. Mis’ Betsy. Moving to door L. I cut’ny do hope Mars’ Ham’ton don’ come in an’ fine yo’ riskin’ yo’ life yo’ fust day home.
Exit Zekiel, L.
Angelica
How you can do it, I don’t know. I’ve felt the motion of the boat all night. I wouldn’t do that if you paid me.
Betsy
If I could afford to pay you, Angelica, I’d employ somebody who knew how.
Angelica shakes steps in retaliation. Betsy screams.
Angelica
Coming down C. a little. Where’s Amiable?
Betsy
Angelica, I don’t think it’s fair that you should have a pet name for my husband.
Angelica
Well, I’ve always called him Amiable because it fits him so much better than Alexander. Where is he?
Betsy
I sent him to walk three times around the Common, while I took down those curtains.
Angelica
He’s a darling. I wonder you can bear to let him out of your sight.
Betsy
Sitting on top step. I can’t, dear, I can’t. Oh, I’m so glad to be home! But when I came in here this morning I couldn’t see anything but those dirty lace curtains, so I had to send him out.
Angelica
Laughing. And then, it’ll be nice to see him come in again, won’t it? Sitting on end of sofa.
Betsy
How do you think he looks?
Angelica
Hale and hearty.
Betsy
Do you? I thought he was looking quite thin and pale.
Angelica
Oh, because you’ve been away, of course. Well, I’m very sorry, but I think he looks fat and well.
Betsy
I ought not to have left him.
Angelica
You’re terribly in love, aren’t you?
Coming up to ladder.
Betsy
I am, Angelica, and I can’t get over it. You know Alexander is the most wonderful man in the world.
Angelica
Back to C. Is he? What about my husband?
Betsy
Oh, well, John Church is a dear old thing, but you couldn’t possibly be terribly in love with him, could you? Besides he’s an Englishman.
Angelica
What do you mean, Betsy Hamilton? I am terribly in love with him.
Betsy
I know you are, dear, but you couldn’t possibly love John as I love Alexander.
Angelica
And why not?
Betsy
Well, he’s a dear, but he has no brains—now has he?
Angelica
He has very good brains for an Englishman. Moves in front of sofa, removing shawl. Besides he’s easier to manage that way.
Drops shawl on head of sofa.
Betsy
He’s very nice and he’s very rich, but he isn’t Alexander.
Angelica
Well, as I prefer having a husband to myself, it’s just as well he isn’t. They both laugh. Angelica sits end of sofa. Betsy resumes her work. Betsy, it’s sheer nonsense, your going on doing all the work in this house as you do.
Betsy
I like it.
Angelica
You don’t like it, and you know it. A daughter of General Schuyler doing this kind of work—it isn’t right.
Betsy
Well, you know Alexander’s salary, don’t you? Three thousand dollars a year.
Angelica
Why don’t you let father make you a decent allowance?
Betsy
Alexander would rather die than take a penny from anyone.
Angelica
Then why don’t you make him give up working for his old country and let him work for himself and for you? Rising and crossing to back of table L. Father says he could make twenty thousand dollars a year easily as a lawyer in private practice.
Betsy
Dusting panes of glass. The life of this Republic is dearer to him than anything else in the world.
Angelica
Oh! Dearer than his wife and family, I suppose?
Picking up paper.
Betsy
There’s no question of that. I know his ambitions and I’m proud to be helping—if it’s only in this way.
Angelica
Throwing down paper disgustedly. Three thousand dollars a year! How do they expect him to provide for you? The government ought to be ashamed of itself. Shakes steps.
Betsy
Balancing herself on the top step. If you get so excited at the bottom of these steps, I shan’t need anybody to provide for me.
Enter Hamilton, R. door, hat and cane; he carries a rose.
Hamilton
Slamming door behind him. Betsy Schuyler! Come down at once. What on earth are you doing up there?
Betsy
Beaming at him. I wanted to get a good view of you as you came in, dear.
Hamilton
Putting stick against wall R. of bookcase at C. back. Come down, madam, immediately, or I’ll come up and fetch you. Putting hat on bookcase.
Betsy
Extending both arms invitingly. I dare you to kiss me. He dashes for the steps.
Angelica
Intercepting him at R. of ladder. Now, if there’s any kissing to be done, you start at the bottom of the ladder. She kisses him. I’ve left my husband in England, and I’m starving to death. Kisses him again. Good morning, Amiable.
He kisses her.
Betsy
I’m coming down.
Descends hurriedly. Angelica, laughing, moves to L.
Hamilton
I hadn’t the heart to refuse her, Betsy. Embraces Betsy fondly. I’ve been starved so long myself.
He kisses Betsy and then gives her a rose he has brought with him. They come down stage together, he being on her R. Angelica also comes down on Betsy’s L. Zekiel enters L.; removes ladder on to balcony and exits on balcony toward R.
Angelica
Well, my duties as overseer being finished, I suppose I ought to go, but as I only got a glimpse of you last night, Amiable, I’m going to stay and share you with Betsy for the next five minutes.
Betsy
Shall we let her?
Hamilton
Yes, yes. Let’s be kind to her.
Sits sofa; Betsy sits on his L.
Angelica
Well, the vanity of these men! Now, tell me all you’ve been doing since Betsy went away.
Sitting on sofa, R. of Hamilton.
Betsy
You’ve only got five minutes, you know.
Angelica
I’ll stay ten.
Betsy
Even then I am afraid he will have to leave some things out.
Angelica
Ah! Those are the things I should like to hear. Well, what have you been doing?
Hamilton
His arm around Betsy. Well, now I’ll tell you—but pay great attention—these are state secrets. Part of my time has been spent in trying to save this country from rack and ruin.
Angelica
What’s rack?
Betsy
Order, Mrs. Church.
Angelica
I know what ruin is. It’s the salary your country pays you for saving it.
Hamilton
Order in court!!
Angelica
If you’re the Judge, you’ve no right to be embracing that lady. Betsy is nestling during this.
Hamilton
I’m not the Judge. I’m only the supporting Counsel. But most of my time—
Angelica
Ah!
Hamilton
Removing his arm and turning to Angelica. Most of my time has been spent in trying to find the things that Betsy put away before she went away.
Betsy
Turning him toward her. Why, Alexander, I put everything in its proper place!
Hamilton
That’s what caused all the trouble. That’s why I could never find anything, till I had looked everywhere else.
Angelica
Now, if that isn’t just like John Church! Husbands are all alike.
Hamilton
Looking at Angelica, then turning to Betsy. You’ve seen her husband, Betsy?
Betsy
Yes, dear.
Hamilton
Has she any right to make that statement?
Betsy
No, dear.
Hamilton
Am I like her husband?
Betsy
No, dear!
Assuming horror at the thought; Angelica rises.
Hamilton
Then the court discharges her with a caution. We will proceed with the next case.
Folds Betsy in his arms and kisses her.
Angelica
For which, I presume, no witnesses will be called. Well, I’ll go back to my father.
Crossing and taking her shawl.
Betsy
Oh, don’t go, Angelica.
Angelica
Turning C. Well, I won’t, because my father’s coming here to fetch me. Moves to door L. But I’ll go into the kitchen and talk to Mary and Zekiel. Hamilton makes movement; rises.
Angelica
No, don’t leave the bench, Judge. I can open the door of my cell. Exit L., laughing.
Hamilton
Betsy!
Kisses her fondly, then sits, placing his arm around her.
Betsy
Fondly. You’re a real lover, aren’t you, dear?
Hamilton
They’ve been long months without you. It seemed as though you were never coming back.
Betsy
It was dreadful of me to stay away so long. But you know I couldn’t help it.
Hamilton
You must never, never go away again.
Betsy
I never will, dearest. She kisses him. But now that I am back, I’m going to be a dreadfully expensive wife. I’m going to take away all your savings. There are no end of things wanted for the house—and of course I haven’t got a rag to my back. Laughs.
Hamilton
Laughing uneasily. Well, Betsy, we’ll pay a visit to the rag shop first, and the house can wait.
Knock ready.
Betsy
No, no, we’ll do the house first—and I’ll wait. But you must have untold wealth hidden away. Why, there’s two quarters’ salary since I’ve been gone—and no wife to spend it for you.
Hamilton
Distressed. Betsy, I’ve had some unexpected expenses recently—but next quarter—
Betsy
Why, it’s all right, dear. Everything can wait. Only I didn’t know. I thought you’d been at home, busy, and hadn’t much opportunity of spending.
Hamilton
I’ve had some expensive presents to make—diplomatic presents, you know.
Betsy
With a little laugh. Oh, bribes.
Hamilton
Glancing at her quickly. I’m afraid it almost amounts to that.
Betsy
That doesn’t sound like you, Alexander. I can’t bear to think—Knock heard. They rise. Now, here’s somebody coming to take you away from me, I suppose.
Hamilton
Embracing and kissing her. This is your day, Betsy, and wild horses shall not drag me from you.
Schuyler
Off stage. Wait a moment, Judge. I’ll see if he’s at home. Mr. Hamilton at home, Uncle?
Zekiel
Off. Walk right in, sah.
Zekiel opens room door and admits Schuyler and Chief Justice Jay. Betsy to C., Hamilton R. Jay follows Schuyler; the street door is also open. Before Jay enters, Betsy hurriedly removes her apron and throws it to Hamilton who throws it to Zekiel when Jay has passed down. Zekiel exits R., closing room door, also street door.
Schuyler
Coming to C. behind Betsy. Here’s Chief Justice Jay, Alexander. I met him on the doorstep.
Betsy
Up stage C., curtseying. How do you do, Judge Jay?
Jay
Mrs. Hamilton bowing near door up R. and coming down, I’m delighted to welcome you back.
Kisses her hand.
Schuyler
To Betsy. Good morning, my dear.
Betsy
Good morning, father.
Kisses him; they come down, Betsy on his L.
Hamilton
Giving his hand. Judge Jay, it is good of you to honor us with a visit. Jay comes to Hamilton. You’ve been away.
Jay
Down R. in front of sofa. Yes, for a month. On my return I went first to General Washington, whom I now find installed in Colonel Frank’s house at Germantown.
Hamilton
Yes, the place was available as temporary executive quarters.
Jay
I then came to pay my respects to Mrs. Hamilton and to congratulate you on your having converted Jefferson and Monroe to the support of your Bill.
Shaking Hamilton’s hand.
Hamilton
That is gradually filtering through to the other states, eh?
Schuyler
Alexander’s a wonder!
Extends hand. Hamilton crosses to C. and takes it.
Hamilton
You know, Jefferson and Monroe have withheld the news of their capitulation as long as possible. They’re desperately afraid of what their followers will say.
Jay
It’s amazing. I didn’t believe that Jefferson would yield one inch.
Schuyler
After all his yelling and shouting about the Rights of Man! Alexander’s a wonder!
Taking out his snuffbox and taking a pinch.
Jay
Laughing. What excuse will he make to his constituents?
Hamilton
C. Schuyler on his L., Jay on his R., Betsy on his L. He’ll just take his pen in his hand and write a cantata and his constituents will lift up their voices and sing. All laugh.
Schuyler
Sing what?
Handing Hamilton snuffbox, who does not take any but holds the open box for Jay who takes a pinch.
Hamilton
Jefferson’s praises, of course.
Betsy
How did you do it?
Schuyler
Bribery. Bribery and corruption!
Betsy
You didn’t give Mr. Jefferson your two quarters’ salary?
Hamilton
No, my dear. I gave him the Capital of the United States.
Handing snuffbox back to Schuyler.
Betsy
But there isn’t one!
Hamilton
That’s what made it so easy.
Laughter; goes up C.
Schuyler
Ah, if it could only have been in Albany!
Jay
With a touch of indignation. Albany? Why put the Capital at the other end of the river? It should be in New York.
Hamilton
Coming down between them, laughing. Let us resign it to Jefferson—on the Potomac. It’s a long way from civilization, and the river will carry off the refuse of debate. The representative of the separate states can pour their slander and vituperation into the Potomac—until they damn it, while the Hudson will remain unrestrained to carry on the business of the country.
They all laugh. Hamilton goes back of table L., Schuyler toward sofa and sits on L. end of it.
Betsy
Curtseying to Jay. Good morning, Your Honor. I must tell you that my husband has promised this day to me.
Hamilton
Are you on business, Judge Jay?
Jay
Down R. I think I shall not detain you long.
Hamilton
Then, my dear—Coming to her by R. of table.
Betsy
Smiling. You said wild horses should not drag you from me.
Hamilton
I think the Judge hardly comes under that class; you see he is controlled by the harness of the state.
Jay
Laughing and to C. Which makes him a very tame horse indeed.
Betsy
In ten minutes, then, I shall take the reins and drive you away.
Exits L., brightly. He follows her to door.
Jay
You must be proud of your daughters, General Schuyler.
Schuyler
Proud? Why, since they’ve been back my bosom has so swelled with pride that my foot has sunk into insignificance.
Hamilton
Taking chair from L. of table and placing it L. C. in front of table. Will you sit down, Judge? Indicates chair R. of table. There was something you wished to say to me?
Jay
Coming to chair R. of table. Yes—er—yes. Ahem! What a very pleasant room you have here.
Tentatively.
Hamilton
I’m beginning to doubt it, Judge Jay.
Jay
Surprised. To doubt it? Why?
Sits R. of table.
Hamilton
That is precisely the remark Mr. Jefferson made when he had something unpleasant to say to me.
Sits L. C. in front of table, but facing somewhat toward Jay.
Jay
You are right. I have something that it is not easy to say to you.
Schuyler
Do you wish me to go, Judge?
Jay
No, General, I very much desire that you should stay. Mr. Hamilton, it is sometimes difficult to determine how far a public man realizes the extent of his influence on the character of others. You are a modest man, but I think you must know that the eyes of the nation are turned toward you as an honorable man who is to steer this country clear of grave dangers.
Hamilton
I am, at any rate, conscious of great responsibilities.
Jay
That is so—great and grave responsibilities. No one but yourself can persuade the government to assume the debts of the states.
Hamilton
The value of the cooperation of Jefferson and Monroe on that issue cannot be overrated.
Jay
Yes. The Anti-Federalists are with you on that issue as long as they have to be, but it is my belief that they are looking for a loophole, a way out.
Hamilton
What makes you believe that?
Jay
Pause. Hamilton waits. I will be frank with you. I have been several times annoyed by the receipt of anonymous letters threatening exposure of some scandal connected with the Secretary of the Treasury. I wished you to remain, General Schuyler, because I want it understood that my confidence in Colonel Hamilton is unbounded. I have traced these letters to a man named Reynolds.
Hamilton
Oh, yes.
Jay
You know him?
Hamilton
Yes.
Jay
He was recently arrested for perjury in connection with a state case. Do you know anything of the case?
Hamilton
No, but the prosecution was made through the Treasury Department, and he wrote to me, begging me to use my influence to obtain his release.
Jay
And you refused.
Hamilton
Yes, I refused.
Jay
Had he any reason to believe that you would help him?
Hamilton
Yes, good reason.
Jay
Why did you refuse?
Hamilton
Because I have never used my public office for my private ends.
Jay
By that I understand that the man has some claim upon you.
Hamilton
Yes.
Jay
It has come to my knowledge that since his arrest certain papers or letters have fallen into the hands of Senator Monroe, and that some information has been passed on to the unscrupulous Giles of Virginia. Enter Zekiel up R.
Zekiel
Sentah Monroe an’ Mr. Giles to see yo’, sah.
Jay and Schuyler look toward each other.
Hamilton
Rising. It looks as if your information were correct, Judge Jay.
Jay
Rising. I’ll take my leave.
Hamilton
Excuse me. I ask you both to remain. Show them in, Zekiel.
Exit Zekiel. Hamilton places chair back L. of table.
Jay
Meeting him in front of table and taking his hand. Understand, Hamilton, my confidence in your integrity is unshakable.
Enter Zekiel. Jay to L.
Zekiel
Sentah Monroe and Mr. Giles.
Enter Monroe and Giles up R.
Hamilton
Down C. and bowing. Gentlemen, you honor me. Exit Zekiel door up R.
Monroe
Coming down. I’m sorry if I interrupt you, Mr. Hamilton, but my errand is important.
Hamilton meets them C.
Giles
On Monroe’s R. How do, Hamilton?
Schuyler shows annoyance at Giles’ loud manner.
Hamilton
Mr. Giles. Bows.
Monroe
Citizen Jay.
Jay
Senator Monroe. They bow.
Giles
How do, Judge? Jay doesn’t bow to Giles.
Hamilton
Judge Jay called—Won’t you sit down, Mr. Monroe? Monroe sits R. of table. Giles remains standing. Judge Jay called to express his pleasure at your cooperation in connection with the States’ Debts. Jay sits L. of table.
Monroe
Yes, I trust we shall have no reason to alter our decision on that point.
Hamilton
Standing back of table. I, too, trust that you will not find it expedient to break your word.
Giles
It’s not a matter of breaking words; it’s a matter of public opinion.
Hamilton
Oh, I was not referring to you, Mr. Giles. Everybody knows that you would never be guilty of a breach of faith.
Giles
Ugh! Moves across R. in front of sofa.
Hamilton
Unless it were made absolutely worth your while.
Giles
Turning. That remark is uncalled for, sir!
Hamilton
True. Tell me, Mr. Giles, what have you called for?
Monroe
We have called, Citizen Hamilton, on business of a private character.
Hamilton
Do you wish us to be alone?
Monroe
I think you would prefer it.
Zekiel
Enters up R., announcing. Mr. Thomas Jefferson!
Enter Jefferson to C. Monroe and Jay rise.
Hamilton
Greets him C. Mr. Jefferson!
Jefferson
You will excuse me, Citizen Hamilton, but I received a note from Citizen Monroe asking me to meet him here at this hour. I trust I do not intrude.
Monroe
I told Mr. Jefferson that the business was urgent.
Jefferson
Otherwise, I assure you, I should not have taken this liberty.
Hamilton
To Monroe. Does your business relate to my public office as Secretary of the Treasury?
Giles
It does.
Hamilton
Then I am gratified that you are here, Mr. Jefferson, and I shall ask you, gentlemen, to allow Chief Justice Jay and General Schuyler to remain.
Monroe
Stiffly. If you wish it.
Hamilton
Taking chair from behind sofa and placing it C. Jefferson shakes hands with Schuyler and then sits. Pray be seated, Mr. Jefferson.
Monroe and Jay sit. Hamilton to back of table.
Monroe
Mr. Hamilton, I am compelled to ask you if you are acquainted—
Hamilton
It may facilitate matters if I say that I am acquainted with a man of the name of Reynolds.
Giles
Standing down R. in front of sofa. James Reynolds.
Hamilton
I’m not sure of his first name. He is hardly an intimate acquaintance of mine. I believe it is James. You probably know him as Jim. Won’t you sit down? Giles does not hear him. Hamilton repeats. Won’t you sit down?
Indicates large chair L. Giles crosses and sits. Hamilton sits back of table.
Monroe
The man Reynolds has placed in my hands certain letters which show that he has recently received from you considerable sums of money.
Hamilton
You are apparently in his confidence, Mr. Monroe.
Giles
Those letters were brought to us unasked.
Hamilton
I see. The letters were also uncalled for.
Monroe
You say you are not intimately acquainted—what was that money paid for?
Hamilton
May I be allowed to see the documents in question?
Monroe takes them from his pocketbook, and hands them to Hamilton.
Giles
After Hamilton has looked at a few of them. What was that money paid for?
Hamilton
Didn’t your friend tell you—I mean before he was arrested for perjury?
Giles
Hotly. He’s not my friend! I never saw the man till he came to me on the subject of these letters.
Hamilton
Are you sure?
Giles
Of course I’m sure!
Crosses his legs uneasily. Looks under seat.
Hamilton
That is George Washington’s chair!
Giles
Angrily pulls chair around to face Hamilton. There seems to be no doubt that you paid him the money.
Hamilton
There seems to be no doubt about that.
Monroe
Mr. Hamilton, I should not be here if I had not been forced by the facts before me. But I cannot disbelieve the evidence of my own eyes. There are your letters proving that the money was paid to Reynolds, and we are compelled to ask you why you paid it.
Hamilton
Who compels you to do that?
Monroe
Our sense of duty, Citizen Hamilton.
Hamilton
Duty to whom?
Monroe
To the country—to the people—to the citizens of this Republic.
Hamilton
This has nothing to do with the country or the people. This is my own private affair.
Giles
We know why you paid the money—Reynolds told us.
Hamilton
Oh, you know, do you?
Giles
Yes, we know.
Hamilton
Then you haven’t come for information—but merely for the love of sport.
Monroe
That money was paid out of the Treasury of the United States.
Hamilton
It was paid out of my own personal account.
Monroe
That we shall require to have proved. But you know what it was paid for.
Hamilton
Yes, I know what it was paid for, and from what Mr. Giles says, you know also.
Opening drawer of table, drawer on R.
Monroe
I do. It was paid to this man that he might buy up the states’ paper—the states’ debts.
Hamilton
Stopping opening drawer quickly. What do you mean?
Monroe
That he might buy up the states’ debts, for your benefit.
Hamilton
Rising. What!
Monroe
A stock-jobbing gamble.
Jay
Come, come, Mr. Monroe. You have only the man’s word for that.
Schuyler
The word of a man who is arrested for perjury.
Monroe
Turning to Schuyler. Reynolds gives conclusive evidence that Mr. Hamilton gave him advance information of the proposed Government Assumption of States’ Debts; that he gave him the money to buy up the paper at bargain prices; and that his share in the spoils will be five million dollars.
Turning to Hamilton and striking table.
Hamilton
Genuinely surprised. So that’s what he told you, did he? That’s the reason for the whole—thing.
Monroe
And there are the proofs of the money you gave him.
Pointing to paper in Hamilton’s hands.
Hamilton
After a pause and looking through letters. Thirty dollars—twenty-five dollars—one hundred dollars—Very modest amounts for purposes of speculation.
Jay
Very.
Giles
Just as dishonest to steal ten dollars as ten millions.
Monroe
You can’t dodge, Hamilton. I owe it to this country to expose this damned business. You use your official information to rob the patriots who raised the money to save this nation!
Jay
No! No!
Schuyler
Mr. Monroe!
Monroe
He makes them believe their loans will never be paid, and then he hires this man to buy up their claims—and hoodwinks us into passing his bill for him.
Jay
Senator Monroe, we entirely lack proof of this.
Hamilton
Gentlemen—let us try to be frank with one another. You have come here today not because you believe me guilty of this accusation, not because you feel any duty to the public, but because you repent the bargain you made with me to vote for my bill. You are afraid of your own party. Your courage has failed you, and you believe this to be a tremendous opportunity to free yourselves from your promise. Jefferson protests. That is the true statement of fact, Mr. Jefferson, whatever you may think to the contrary. You dislike me—you are afraid of me—and this is part of an organized conspiracy to force me to resign, and so to end your difficulties. This is not the first time that you have accused me, but it is the first time that I have been unwilling to strike back at you. Time and again you have charged me with dishonesty in the Treasury. Three months ago you set the trusty Giles on to covertly accuse me of cooking the accounts. Within ten days, as you know, after going through endless records, I proved that there was no shadow of foundation for your accusation, and you slunk away whipped and defeated. And now here you are yelping at my heels again and ready to tear me to pieces. This time you are bolder. You come to me with an open accusation of absolute dishonesty. This accusation is based on the evidence of one James Reynolds, an obscure and worthless man. Had I desired to defraud the Treasury should I have been driven to the necessity of unkennelling Reynolds to assist me? Gentlemen, it is not a reasonable accusation. If I felt that you really believed that this was even remotely connected with my office, I should not hesitate to give you proof to the contrary. But you know that what you accuse me of has no foundation in truth. Pause. I admit that I had transactions with the man Reynolds movement of interest from the others, but they were of a private nature, and I swear that my connection with him is in no way bound up with my public office. I make an appeal to your sense of justice, and I ask you, gentlemen, to drop this investigation.
Jay
After a slight pause. In deference to Mr. Hamilton, I think, gentlemen, that should close the matter.
Schuyler
There is no question of the honor of Alexander Hamilton.
Jefferson
Mr. Hamilton has indeed made a very moving appeal.
Monroe
If the facts are not as stated, why not tell us what they are?
Hamilton
Because such disclosure would be useless to you and would cause much suffering to some who are very near and dear to me.
Jefferson
As if about to rise. Well, in that case, Citizen Hamilton—
Monroe
But I don’t see how—Do you mean it’s a domestic affair?
Hamilton
Uneasily. In a sense, yes.
Monroe
Something that affects your wife?
Hamilton
Restraining himself. Yes, sir. Something that affects my wife—
There is a moment of embarrassment. Monroe shows that he does not wish to proceed.
Giles
Rising. Mr. Hamilton, as a trusted representative of the State of Virginia, I feel it my duty to ask you a few questions.
Hamilton
Looks at Giles hard for several moments and then sits. Great restraint. Yes.
Giles
In the first place, in what way is your wife mixed up—
Hamilton
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.
Throwing them on table toward Giles, shutting drawer and moving across to extreme R. at back and back again.
Schuyler
Rising. Thunderstruck. Alexander!
Hamilton
Father, I have no excuse to make. Giles picks up the letters and crosses quickly and shows them to Jefferson. Jefferson turns away saying “No, no.” Giles then turns to Monroe. Monroe takes the letters and throws them on the table saying: “I prefer not.” Hamilton comes back of table. Since this accusation has been made I must insist on your reading all these documents. These are his—and these are hers. They both form part of the plot in which you are now involved. You will find no mention of state debts in them. Her letters are an attempt to drag me into a prolonged intrigue, and were necessary for the full effect of his blackmailing. Looking at Giles who is standing C. between Monroe and Jefferson. A conspiracy from beginning to end. A conspiracy to discredit Washington’s administration and my office. Will you read them or do you condemn me to read them to you?
He pulls off the tapes from her letters and is about to read.
Betsy
Heard off L., calling. Alexander? A moment of suspense. Enters door L. Alexander! Oh, I beg your pardon, gentlemen, I thought you had gone. The men rise and there is an awkward pause. But this was to be my day with my husband. Won’t you let him off till tomorrow? We’ve been parted so long, you know. Won’t you, Mr. Jefferson?
She is down L. in front of table. Jay moves to C. and meets Jefferson and Monroe. They make a group there. Giles moves to R. in front of sofa. Schuyler has worked across at back and is coming down L.
Hamilton
Coming by L. of table to her rapidly. In a few moments, dear—in a few moments, and then I’ll come.
Betsy
But you look so tired, dear—so tired and old. I’ve never seen you look old before.
Hamilton
I’ve grown old in your absence, dear. I’ll come in a few moments—very soon.
Betsy
And we’ll look at the shops—and you’ll be my boy again.
Hamilton
Kisses her hand. Yes, dear.
Jay
Coming to L. C. I don’t think we need to ask Mrs. Hamilton to withdraw. Our business is over, and I apologize for having kept him so long. You came to take the reins, eh, Mrs. Hamilton? I think I will go before you use the whip. Schuyler has joined Betsy by this time. Jay draws Hamilton away to C. I sincerely regret that you should have been subjected to this.
Betsy
Down L. in front of table. By instinct. Is something the matter, father?
Schuyler
On her R. Tries to distract her attention. It’s all right, my dear; it’s all right.
Jefferson
Quietly, to Hamilton. Citizen Hamilton, I am heartily ashamed of having obtruded myself into this business. I give you my word that not one syllable of this shall ever pass my lips.
Monroe
I’m sorry. I was misinformed … I apologize.
They bow to Hamilton and he follows them as they move toward the door up R. Betsy is conscious of something the matter, and lingers, although you see Schuyler is trying to get her away.
Giles
Who has been walking restlessly to and fro down R. Wait a minute, wait a minute! They all stop and turn. Jefferson at door, Monroe following. Hamilton C. and Jay C. to L. Up stage. I don’t want to speak before Mrs. Hamilton, but this thing hasn’t been brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
Jefferson
Coming back a few steps. Surely there is nothing more to be said.
Jay
Mr. Hamilton has met you fairly and straightforwardly.
Giles
R. C. in front of sofa. I have nothing to say against Mr. Hamilton, but—
Jay
Jefferson
Monroe
Sh-sh!
Monroe comes down R. behind Jefferson.
Giles
Loudly and pugnaciously. I won’t be muzzled. I am a trusted representative of Virginia, and it is my duty to do the best for my state.
Hamilton
C. I think, gentlemen, we will not endeavor to restrain Mr. Giles in the execution of his duty.
Giles
If Mrs. Hamilton will be good enough to retire—
Betsy looks toward Hamilton, rather worried and scared.
Hamilton
No, gentlemen, with your permission I shall ask my wife to remain.
Sensation. Slight pause. Hamilton moves to chair R. of table but does not sit.
Giles
Oh, I see, you want to gag me.
Hamilton
On the contrary, I am hoping that you will remove the seal from my own lips.
Giles
You mean that you want me to speak out?
Hamilton
Loudly and startlingly. Yes, I want you to speak out.
Giles
Slightly taken aback by his tone. Very well. Moves to C. Alexander Hamilton, you don’t like me, but I am going to prove to you that I am your friend. Hamilton glances at him. You don’t believe it, but I am going to prove it to you. What would you say if the newspapers got hold of this story?
Slight movement from Jefferson and Monroe. They exchange a glance of disapproval.
Hamilton
Which—my story or yours?
Giles
Now, it’s no use getting personal—it isn’t my story, it’s Reynolds’. What would you say if the newspapers came out tomorrow with the story that the Secretary of the Treasury had borrowed the Nation’s money to speculate with—to buy up the States’ paper?
Hamilton
Looking at his wife, who has started and is being restrained by Schuyler. For the moment, I don’t know what I should say, Mr. Giles.
Giles
It wouldn’t be any use trying to get your bill through then, not even with Jefferson and Monroe behind you. Public opinion would be too strong.
Jefferson
Coming in between Hamilton and Giles. Citizen Hamilton, you must excuse me. I cannot stand by while Citizen Giles continues in this way. I wish to express my regret that a representative of Virginia should behave in such a deplorable manner. Bows to Hamilton. I take my leave.
Exit door up R. and shuts door after him. Monroe is following but stops at room door as Giles speaks. Curtain warning.
Giles
Moving across to R. back angrily. Well, Jefferson’s words don’t alter facts—at least not with me they don’t.
Jay
L. C. at back. Is there any danger of the newspapers getting it?
Giles
Coming to C. There’s more than a danger; it’s a fact that the Advertiser has got the story and is going to publish it in tomorrow’s issue, unless—
Hamilton
In front of chair R. of table. Unless—
Giles
I think it would be better if Mrs. Hamilton—
Hamilton
Mrs. Hamilton is your hostess. You said, “unless”—
Giles
Well, unless of course, you deny it, which you couldn’t very well because there are the proofs that the money was paid to Reynolds, and you can’t explain why.
Hamilton
After a pause and sitting. You’ve got me, haven’t you?
Giles
Now, Mr. Hamilton, if you will withdraw your Bill, I’ll guarantee that the story shall not be printed.
Betsy
Crossing to Hamilton. I don’t know what foundation you have for your false accusations against Colonel Hamilton, but he must not give up that Bill. He’s worked and slaved, and gained the confidence of all the world with that in view, and he must not give it up!
Hamilton
Can you bear the alternative, Betsy?
Betsy
I must bear it.
Hamilton
Can you bear that I, the Secretary of the Treasury, should be accused of cheating the people?
Betsy
Bear it? Why, of course, because I know it isn’t true.
Hamilton
Rising. How do you know it isn’t true?
Betsy
What do you mean? Because I know you, Alexander.
Hamilton
Advancing to her. Do you know me—do you?
Betsy
Tell me what you mean?
Hamilton
Taking her by the arms. Why don’t you suspect me—why do you trust me?
Betsy
Don’t—don’t! Tell me what it is. You can prove it isn’t true.
Hamilton
I can, but I dare not.
Betsy
You dare not?
Hamilton
I dare not tell the truth. I did pay certain sums of money.
Betsy
What for? What did you pay it for?
Hamilton
To keep from the light something of which I am ashamed—to hide something shameful from you.
Schuyler
Down L. Alexander, have you no feeling for your wife? Betsy, go—
Hamilton
Stepping back from Betsy. Father, it’s better that she should know. Betsy—
Schuyler
You’re not going to drag that woman—
Jay
Oh! A moment of dead awful silence.
Betsy
Turning dazed to Schuyler. It’s not a woman? He bows his head. She turns to Hamilton and sees the guilt on his face. Oh!—
Schuyler
Betsy, my girl!
Betsy
Lifting her head, dazed, but with a sense of pride. Does anyone else know?
Schuyler
Quietly. Mr. Jefferson, that is all.
Betsy
Looking at Monroe and Jay. Will they tell?
Jay
Monroe
No.
Betsy
Slowly. Then it need never be known.
Giles
Then you withdraw your Bill?
Hamilton
With a great sudden outburst. No—no—I can’t do it. I’ve done with bargains. I’ve bargained with my conscience long enough. I’m covered with shame and remorse, but I can’t stand in the mud and barter what I believe to be America’s honor. My Bill stands. Get out and tell your story, and I’ll tell mine.
Giles
What’ll you tell?
Hamilton
The truth! Picking up letters. The whole degrading, sordid truth. In tomorrow’s newspaper I’ll publish every fragment of evidence in connection with my disgrace with this woman. If there is to be dishonor, it shall fall on me and not on this administration. I sacrifice my office—I sacrifice my wife—but, by God, Betsy, I can’t sell my country. With a peremptory gesture to Giles. Now go!!!
Giles goes toward door R. and the curtain falls quickly.
Picture.—Monroe is going; Hamilton, C., looking toward door; Schuyler takes Betsy in his arms. Giles is seen going through street door. He glares at Hamilton and bangs the door after him.
Curtain.