Dawson. Well, then, after ruining yourself and your brother's wife, you must ruin your own!
Mr. Wolton. [Alarmed, uneasy.] What do you mean?
Dawson. I mean that my sister's own money is enough to pay for your sister's silence. Don't you understand? Your sister mustn't know, of course, that you've stolen her fortune. Instead, your wife must be told,—poor Laura—and for her daughter's sake, she must consent to beggar herself. Her bonds will about meet the payment of the house to-morrow—they must be sold the first thing—I will see to it.—— [As he speaks, he is looking Wolton straight in the face. Something in Wolton's face grows upon him with conviction as he speaks his last few words. He breaks off suddenly.] What! you've taken hers, too! [He leans over Wolton in the chair, his hands on his shoulders, close to his neck, in a rage. Rises.] You've beggared my sister, your wife and child! You— [Interrupted.
Mr. Wolton. [With a big effort, rises, throwing off Dawson's hands.] Sh!—For God's sake, lower your voice! You'll be heard!
Dawson. [With a change of tone, but speaking with utter contempt.] By a couple hundred fools! To-morrow thousands will hear of your dirty dishonour!! [Going toward right a little.
Mr. Wolton. [To Dawson.] But you, you have money—won't you come to my rescue?
Dawson. I couldn't if I would. You have borrowed half a fortune of me already. What I have left must go to take care of my sister and niece. Do you think I'd support you! No, the State will do that.
Mr. Wolton. That!! You'd let me go to—?
Dawson. You'll get twenty years at least!
Mr. Wolton. You won't help me escape!