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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