7.THE HOUR OF TRUTH

 The play, 'The Hour of Truth', is actually written by Percival Wilde. The characters are Robert Baldwin, Martha, John, Evie, Mr. Marshall, and a maid. The scene is set at Baldwin's cottage on a dark Sunday afternoon. Robert Baldwin has gone outside, and his wife and children anxiously await his arrival. They anticipate rain and are unsure if Baldwin has taken his umbrella with him. While waiting for Robert Baldwin, the family discusses John Gresham, the man whom Baldwin worked for at the bank. Gresham has been involved in a bank manipulation, resulting in the bank's closure. Gresham is currently in jail and Baldwin is expected to testify against him in court the next day. However, on that day, John Gresham unexpectedly calls Baldwin. The family is eager to know the reason for Gresham's call. Evie suspects that Baldwin may have been involved in the bank anomaly because the newspapers suggest so, and Baldwin does not refute the claims. Martha defends her husband, believing that the newspaper is unjust in its portrayal. Due to Baldwin's position under Gresham's authority, the family suspects his involvement in the bank crash. However, Martha firmly believes in Baldwin's innocence, claiming that he discovered the bank crash accidentally and never did anything wrong. John interjects, mentioning that he saw Donovan, the assistant cashier, at the Athletic Club on the previous day. Donovan had been working at the bank for eight years. The news of the bank crash came as a complete surprise to John. He suspects that his father might have known about it because he is "the only witness against John Gresham." John feels that his reputation has been tarnished because he shares a name with John Gresham. He also mentions that while his father earns only sixty dollars a week, John Gresham has amassed significant wealth over the past twenty years. Martha defends her husband's dedication to his work, emphasizing that he always obeyed Gresham's orders without resistance. Finally, Robert Baldwin returns home. Everyone is eager to hear how the bank crash occurred. Baldwin reveals that he only learned about Gresham's actions one day before the crash. Under pressure from Gresham, Baldwin closed the bank. He also discloses why Gresham asked to meet him. Gresham wants him to say "I don't remember" when questioned about the bank crash during the court proceedings. If Baldwin complies, he will receive a hundred thousand dollars. However, Baldwin, being an honest man, refuses Gresham's proposal. Upon hearing about the money, the family's perspective begins to shift, and they try to convince Baldwin to assist Gresham. Martha questions whether depositors will lose their money, to which Baldwin assures them that nobody will lose anything. The family learns that Gresham's crime was misappropriating funds. They continue to persuade Baldwin to lie and help Gresham. Initially shocked, Baldwin's resolve is tested. Martha argues that their son's name is associated with Gresham, and it would be a disgrace for him. She also reminds Baldwin that Gresham sponsored John's baptism. These arguments push Baldwin towards assisting Gresham. Evie suggests that if Gresham promises to repay the depositors the next day, they will resent Baldwin for sending Gresham to jail. John supports this by stating, "Nobody wants to see him punished." He also believes that if Gresham avoids jail time, he will start a business and offer Robert a partnership. This angers Robert Baldwin. Martha attempts to convince him by highlighting that John is now the sole breadwinner of the family, and his income is insufficient for them to survive. If Robert accepts a hundred thousand dollars from Gresham, they can lead a comfortable life. Robert Baldwin is saddened by the fact that his family's opinion has changed upon learning the amount Gresham is willing to pay for his silence in court. He refers to them as "shams," "liars," "hypocrites," and "thieves." Nonetheless, the family persists in persuading him to accept the money. At this moment, Mr. Marshall, the President of the Third National Bank, arrives at their home. He brings good news to Robert Baldwin and his family, informing them that a promising position awaits him at the Third National Bank. Mr. Marshall learned from John Gresham that Robert Baldwin had refused to lie in court, prompting Gresham's confession. Impressed by his honesty, Mr. Marshall expresses his admiration and respect for Robert Baldwin. As the play concludes, he addresses Robert Baldwin's family, saying, "I can only say to you what every man will be saying tomorrow: how highly I honor and respect your husband!..."