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104
HAMILTON

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?