Page:Hamilton play 1917.pdf/148

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
136
HAMILTON

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 to-morrow 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