6THE CLIMBERS



the son of a convict cheat. [She breaks down, but

in a moment controls hersell. There is no answer.

STERLING sinks into a chair, his arms on the table,

his head on his arms. A moment's silence.] You

love me -I know that. I appeal to your love;

let your love of me persuade you to do what I ask.

I ask it for your sake and for mine! Tell us here

the truth now - it will spare me much to-morrow,

perhaps - me whom you love - for love of me -

  STERLING. [In an agcny.] I'm afraid I'll lose

you -

  BLANCHE. No, I'll promise to stand by you if

you'll only tell us all the truth.

  STERLING.   [In a low, shamed voice.]  I'll
tell you, but not now -not before all these

others.

  [BLANCHE looks up questioningly to MASON.

    MASON shakes his head.



6r2