Hamilton - Act III

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.