(L. of Alice.) Don't you think, dear, it’s about time to remember that you owe us a little consideration? Wasn't it something, just a little something, that we found you friendless and ill in Homburg and befriended you?
Alice. It was only to rob me.
Madge. Wasn't it something that we brought you and your mother across to England with us—that we kopt you here—in our own home—and supported and cared for you
Alice. So that you could rob me.
Madge. My dear child—you have nothing of value. That package of letters wouldn't bring you sixpence.
Alice. Then why do you want it? Why do you persecute me and starve me to get it? (Pause—Madge looking at her cruelly.) All your friendship to me and my mother was a pretence—a sham. It was only to get what you wanted away from me when the time came.
Madge. Why, we have no idea of such a thing!
Alice (turning slightly on Madge). I don't believe you.
Larrabee (who has controlled himself with difficulty up stage—coming down on R. of Alice). Well, believe me, then.
(Alice turns to him, frightened but calm. No forced expressions of pain and despair anywhere in the scene.)
(Moves towards her.) You're going to tell us what you've done with that package before you leave this room to-nighy!
(Madge backs away L. a step or two.)
Alice. Not if you kill me.
Larrabee (seizing Alice violently by the arms or wrists at back of her). It isn't killing that's going to do it—it's something else.
(Music melodramatic and pathetic.)
(Larrabee gets Alice's arms behind her, and holds her as if wrenching or twisting them from behind. She gives slight cry of pain. Madge comes to her on her L. Prince looks away to R. during following bus.—appearing not to like the scene but not moving.)
Madge (sharp hard voice). Tell us where it is! Tell us and we'll stop.
Larrabee (a little behind—bus. of gripping as if wrenching her arms). Out with it!
Alice (suppressed cry or moan). Oh!
(Note.—Alice has little expression of pain on her face. The idea is to be game.)
Madge. Where is it?
Larrabee. Speak quick now! I'll give you a turn next time that'll take it out of you.
