JOHN : Yes, and you’re willing to jail the man after whom you named your son! MARTHA : I believe in being merciful, Robert. BALDWIN : Merciful? MARTHA : Mr.
Gresham has always been very good to you. ( There is another pause. Curiously enough, they do not seem to be able to meet each other’s eyes .) Ah, well! What are you going to do now, Robert?
BALDWIN : What do you mean? MARTHA : You have been out of work since the bank closed. BALDWIN : ( shrugging his shoulders ) Oh, I’ll find a position. Let’s understand better: John accuses Baldwin of betraying his dear friend Gresham.
He adds that Baldwin will not get an employment anywhere, as he will be considered a traitor. MARTHA : ( shaking her head ) At your age? BALDWIN : It’s the man that counts. MARTHA : Yes, you said that a month ago.
JOHN : I heard from Donovan ... BALDWIN : ( quickly )What did you hear? JOHN : He’s gone with the Third National, you know. BALDWIN : Yes; he’s helping with the reorganization.
JOHN : They wouldn’t take you on there... BALDWIN : Their staff was full. They couldn’t very well offer me a position as a clerk. JOHN : That was what they told you… Mr.
Marshall said he wouldn’t employ a man who was just as guilty as John Gresham. BALDWIN : But I’m not! JOHN : Who knows it? BALDWIN : Everybody will, tomorrow!
JOHN : Will they believe you? Or will they think you’re trying to save your own skin? BALDWIN : I found out only a day before the smash. JOHN : Who will believe that?
BALDWIN : They will have to! JOHN : How will you make them? I’m afraid you’ll find that against you wherever you go, Governor. Your testifying against John Gresham won’t make things any better.
If you ever get another job, it will be with him! ( This is a startling idea 12th - - Page to Baldwin, who shows his surprise .) If