The climbers

by Clyde Fitch

Sterling. [Angry.] You'll interfere once too often in the affairs of this house.

Blanche. [Indignant.] But what excuse can you make, Mr. Warden?

Warden. Will you be so good as to ask Miss Hunter and Mr. Mason to come here? They will explain what I have done, partly, and your husband will tell you the rest when you come back.

[Sterling sneers aloud.

Blanche. I don't understand, I don't understand.

[She goes out at back.

Sterling. Well, I do understand, at least enough.

Warden. Good! That spares me a very disagreeable speech.

Sterling. No, it doesn't! Come out with it! What is it you want? What is it you've found out?

Warden. From betraying a trust, you've come, in less than two years, to an outright embezzlement.