Hamilton

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