Coast. [Goes to him.] You all can't live on the income from five hundred thousand dollars. Now there'll be a bust up sure!
Steven. Ss! that's all I need.
[Sits on the sofa.
Coast. That promise of yours to Georgiana's binding, ain't it?
Steven. [Looks up.] Of course. Why?
Coast. No why.
[A pause.
Steven. You think United Copper will go up again?
Coast. If not, I know something that will.
Steven. Something you're in yourself?
Coast. Yes.
Steven. And you'd put me on?
Coast. Yep. I don't think there's any other way out of this for you all.
Steven. Sam!
[He rises.
Coast. It's absolutely safe.
Steven. I could get it back? Some, anyway, of what I've lost?
Coast. Sure!—
Steven. But I gave Georgiana my word.
Coast. Of course she got that promise out of you because she thought you'd lose again.
Steven. Yes, but my word is my word.
Coast. Do you suppose she'd mind, if you won, won back Louise's money, won back the girl's happiness?
Steven. Suppose I tell her what you can do and ask her to let me off this once?
Coast. No, women don't understand business. She wouldn't realize I can know I'd win, any more than you feel sure and lose.
Steven. Yes, it would do no good to ask her.
Coast. Too bad, because I'd guarantee you wouldn't lose, not this deal. Of course I wouldn't be responsible for any future transaction.
Steven. But I'd be satisfied with this one, if I got back my losses.
Coast. I don't say you'd get back all, in one deal, but a good start which might turn your luck.
Steven. It's always like that; I've known such cases over and over again. But I've never yet broken my word to Georgiana,—somehow or other I feel as if I did that once I wouldn't have any hold over myself.
Coast. I don't suppose you could get at her securities anyway this afternoon?
Steven. Oh, yes, I could. We have our deposit box together.
Coast. Don't you think she'd forgive you when it means such a lot to Louise and her mother?
Steven. Why shouldn't she?
Coast. Why don't you risk it? That promise was just to keep you from losing, and this time I'll see you don't lose—so why not?
Steven. By George, I will! Georgiana really can't blame me when there's so much at stake.
Coast. Can you get the stuff to-day?
Steven. [Looks at his watch.] Yes, if I hurry.
Coast. All right, go ahead. I'll come to your office to-morrow at nine. Listen—I ain't supposed, of course, to have anything to do with this—and when you get it, don't go giving my tip to other chumps.
Steven. Oh, no.
Coast. What you do is on your own responsibility?
Steven. Exactly, only you guarantee?
Coast. That you don't lose this time. [Looking at his watch.] You'd better hurry.
Steven. Thank you, Sam.
[Shakes his hand.
Coast. Oh, that's all right. Say, I want to marry your sister. No objection on your part, is there?
Steven. Well, I should say not!
Coast. She don't seem to cotton to me.
Steven. She doesn't know you.
Coast. Do you think if she was up a tree for funds she'd look at me any kinder?
Steven. Not a bit.
Coast. Some women do.
Steven. Not Georgiana! Good-by.
Coast. [To Steve.] So long.
[Steven turns to go, but stops as Moles shows Coleman into the room. The latter is dressed in his uniform of first lieutenant.
Dick. Hello, Steven! Hello, Coast!
Coast. We gates!
Steven. How are you, Dick? Excuse me, I'm in a hurry. You're off to-day?
Dick. Yes, I've come to shake hands.
Steven. Good-by, old man, and good luck—sorry to have to go! Good-by!
[Shakes hands warmly, with feeling.
Dick. Good-by.
[Steven goes out Left.
Coast. [Sitting Right.] Oh, I guess she ain't so different.
Dick. Who?
Coast. Georgiana, she's just a woman!
Dick. No, take my word for it, she's not a woman, she's the woman.
[Sits on the piano bench.
Coast. 'Spose she likes money and nice things always about her?
Dick. She's always had them,—and always would if I could help give them to her.
Coast. Huh, huh! Well—say, Steve's got himself in a devil of a hole! Speculated with his wife's money—and they're broke.
Dick. Good God, what do you mean?
[Rises.
Coast. What I say. Steve is one of those good-hearted gulls who's a blame slob on the money market, and he's gone under to the extent of Aunt Laura's and Louise's spondulix, that's all.
[He is rather amused. Dick goes back of table, puts his hat on it.
Dick. What are they going to do?
Coast. Georgiana wants to pony up like a brick and keep the whole lot!
Dick. Just like her!
Coast. Oh, of course, I'll see Georgiana don't really lose by it in no way in the end.
Dick. You will?
Coast. Why of course!
Dick. She isn't going to let Steve speculate with her money, is she?
Coast. Can't say.
[A pause.
Dick. Look here, I'd like to help Steve myself, if I thought I could protect Georgiana. I'll let Steve have some money. You needn't say anything to anybody. How much will see him through?
Coast. That's real good of you, but I couldn't let outsiders help 'em.
Dick. I'm not exactly an outsider; and the truth is, Coast, I'd give anything to have the right to help Georgiana. [A silence.] Look here. I'm going to ask you a question, straight out!
Coast. Fire ahead!
[Looks at Dick with a perfectly blank face.
Dick. Anything between you and Georgiana?
Coast. [After a short pause.] There is—
Dick. Mrs. Carley hinted as much.
Coast. [Unflinchingly.] I'm—er—I'm going to marry Georgiana.
[A pause. Coast looks Dick in the eye, then away.
Dick. Congratulate you, Coast! [Shakes his hand.] She's worth even more than you can give her!
Coast. That's right!
[Coast goes out on the balcony and whistles "Congo." Dick walks away and turns his back. Dick goes to the mantel and takes up a picture of Georgiana, looks at it, takes it out of the frame, and seeing that Coast isn't observing, puts it in his breast pocket. He turns round with a pathetic sort of half-laughing exclamation to Coast.
Dick. I say, Coast. [Coast comes in from the balcony.] I've been in love with Georgiana for years.
Coast. That don't surprise me!
[Coast sits on the piano bench.
Dick. I never realized it until the other day, when I found I was going to leave her, and—perhaps—not coming back, and then I found boy friendship had sort of grown up into a man's love—I almost told her—[Pause.] I wonder if I'd found it out sooner—before you came along—
Coast. No use shutting the stable door after the horse is swiped!
Dick. I shan't be able to say exactly what I wanted to to Georgiana—but that's—your luck—I guess the quicker I can say good-by and get out, the better for me—
Coast. Listen—don't say anything to Georgiana about her and me, will you, unless of course she tells you—we're not talking about it yet.
Dick. I don't care mentioning it, thank you.
[Mrs. Carley and Georgiana come in Right and meet Dick.
Mrs. Carley. We're so sorry to say good-by, Dick—will you have some tea?
Dick. No, thanks.
Coast. Hello, Auntie.
[Mrs. Carley goes to the sofa and sits with her crocheting.
Georgiana. Dick!
[Shaking his hand—a second long. They look into each other's eyes.
Mrs. Carley. Isn't he fine in his uniform?
Dick. [Embarrassed.] I hadn't time to change before we start.
Mrs. Carley. Louise asks me to give her farewells; she's got a bad headache and is being shampooed—she's too disappointed not to see you.
Dick. I'm sorry she's in her usual health.
Mrs. Carley. Got it from her father; we didn't expect him to live a year when I married him, but he surprised us all—and I tell Louise she'll outlive me yet. How are you, Sammy?
[Drops her worsted; Coast picks it up and gives it to her.
Coast. All right, only I need a shave.
[He sits Left.
Mrs. Carley. Well, you shouldn't talk about it! You need a lot of coaching.
Georgiana. [Aside to Dick.] Stay; I want to speak to you alone.
Dick. All right, old girl, I think I know why.
Mrs. Carley. Why don't you all sit down?
Georgiana. He hasn't much time.
Dick. I haven't long to stay. I must be at the armory by a quarter to four.
Georgiana. You march by here at four, don't you, on your way to the 42d St. Station?
Dick. Yes, rather a bore; but the Governor insists, and Roosevelt comes on to receive us at 59th St.
Georgiana. We oughtn't to keep Dick, then, mother; we ought to say good-by at once.
[They all rise.
Mrs. Carley. Very well, speed the parting guest! Good-by, Dick, we'll watch the papers to see what brave things you do, and don't fall in love with any of the décolleté young nigger ladies we read about.
Dick. Good-by, Mrs. Carley. [They wait for Georgiana to say good-by. A pause.] Good-by, Coast!
[Crosses to Coast, who rises and shakes hands with Dick.
Coast. Good-by! Good luck—
Georgiana. [Pointedly.] Good-by, Sam.
Coast. Oh, I'm not going.
[A pause.
Dick. [To Georgiana.] Good-by.
Georgiana. Good-by! [Shakes his hand and adds under her breath to him.] Don't go. Don't go.
[A pause; all wait.
Mrs. Carley. He isn't in a hurry, after all, Georgiana; let's all sit down again.
[They all sit.
Georgiana. [Laughing, embarrassed.] Of course I don't want to urge you off, Dick.
Dick. [Rising.] No, but really, after all, I think I must go.
[All rise again.
Georgiana. No! Mother, I want to speak with Dick alone, before he goes; you won't mind leaving us, will you, you and Sam?
[Sam rises.
Mrs. Carley. [Unwilling.] Oh, no—Come along, Sam. We'll be on the balcony when you pass, Dick; be sure to look up. Good-by.
[Going.
Dick. [Shaking her hand.] I'll look up.
Coast. [At the door Right.] I'll go up and see the kids.
[Coast looks at Dick and goes out very slowly with Mrs. Carley.
Georgiana. I couldn't say good-by to you like that—I couldn't share my good-by with mother; you understand that, don't you, Dick.
Dick. Yes, old girl, though if I had my way I wouldn't say good-by to you at all—I hate good-bys to people I care about.
Georgiana. Sit down just a few minutes.
[They sit down by the table.
Dick. [Sees the tie in her hands.] Busy making reins for Toots? What an ugly color!
Georgiana. Is it? Well, it's a tie for you!
Dick. Oh—I mean it's ugly for reins, but perfectly lovely for a tie—I'll take it with me.
[Puts it in his pocket.
Georgiana. I wish I could go with you.
Dick. Don't you think you're needed here just at this moment?
Georgiana. Has Steve told you?
Dick. No, Coast did.
Georgiana. Don't you think I'm doing right?
Dick. If you love him, of course, old girl, you're doing right. I think I must go now. [Rises.] Good-by.
Georgiana. No, don't go yet, please. I can't bear to have you go.
Dick. It's good of you to care so much. [Leans against the table.] You know only yesterday I woke up and suddenly began to hope—
Georgiana. What—
Dick. Nothing; I don't hope it any more, anyway! I say, Georgiana, you'll go around and see mother and father once in a while, won't you?
Georgiana. Of course I will—
Dick. It'll cheer them up a lot, you know—they feel so badly; it's pretty tough on them, my leaving.
Georgiana. I feel badly too—
Dick. That's jolly good of you.
Georgiana. And isn't it just a little tough to leave me? Your oldest friend almost, you know.
[She adds this latter to cover up the sentiment which was coming too near the surface.
Dick. Of course it is.
Georgiana. You haven't said so.
Dick. Still waters run deep, Georgy, and I—[He moves away.] really, I must be going.
Georgiana. [Rising.] No, don't go.
Dick. [Looking at his watch.] I must.
Georgiana. No, let me see your watch. Yes, you have got three more minutes. Please—sit down—
[She persuades him to sit down again, and she reseats herself.
Dick. Have your own way!
Georgiana. Will there be fighting?
Dick. I hope so!
Georgiana. Oh, but what fighting! I've read, I know—ambushes and tortures—their war is murder.
Dick. Yes, and that's why we're going out there to put an end to it.
Georgiana. Why need you?
Dick. Some one must, I as well as another; in fact, just now, I better than any other.
Georgiana. Why you better?
Dick. Because I want to go—I've got a restless fit, Georgiana—and want to get away from here—I want to get away from everybody.
Georgiana. From me?
Dick. Yes, even from you!
Georgiana. [Hurt.] Thank you.
Dick. I should think your woman's instinct would teach you why.
Georgiana. Well, it doesn't! and I really should be very much obliged to you if you would help my woman's instinct out.
Dick. Of course it's all right what you're going to do, only—well, I don't want to be here to see it.
Georgiana. But, Dick, I'm perfectly happy in what I'm doing.
Dick. Of course! but that doesn't make it any the pleasanter for me. [Rises.] Good-by.
Georgiana. [Rising.] And that's all, just good-by?
Dick. No, I wish you all kinds of happiness in the future and the happiest marriage in the world.
Georgiana. Oh, thank you very much.
Dick. [With great effort.] I wish you everything that's good, Georgy, old girl!
Georgiana. Well, I'm sure no one could ask for more; and what shall I wish you?
Dick. Wish me a big fight, and an exciting one! Wish me a chance to do something! Wish me—oh, what does it matter—wish me—"Good-by."
Georgiana. What does it matter? Good-by! No!
[They shake hands; she follows him to the door.
Dick. I must. I'll be late.
Georgiana. Be late.
Dick. [Looking at her a moment.] I am—too late. Good-by.
[He is going out again and she stops him. Good-by. [Light-heartedly.
[He goes out. She stands where he leaves her, facing the door. A pause.
Georgiana. "What does it matter"—"wish me good-by."
[She turns, looking straight ahead of her, gazing into space, realizing what it means to her. Slowly the emotion creeps into her face, she falters where she stands, and turns about to burst into tears, when Coast comes back into the room.
Coast. I heard Coleman go—can I talk with you a little?
Georgiana. [Sitting on the sofa.] No, Sam, I don't feel like it!
[She cannot keep her tears back.
Coast. [Going to her.] Georgy, don't—don't—I love you.
Georgiana. No! I don't want you to.
Coast. It don't make any difference if you want me to or not; I do, got to, it's so strong in me—won't you have me?
Georgiana. No! Won't you leave me alone a little?
Coast. No, I can't. Listen; I know I'm not refined enough for you—but I can get over that in time. Sure! I can get over everything for you, if you'll only love me.
Georgiana. No! now go away from me.
[He kneels beside her a little awkwardly, trying to make her look at him.
Coast. There isn't a thing in this world that money can buy I won't give you.
Georgiana. There are some things money can't buy.
Coast. No, there ain't—not my money! You'll have everything a woman can hanker after in this world—the best there is, and Steve shall have it, too, for your sake.
Georgiana. I can never love you.
Coast. Listen! I'll make my wife the biggest woman in the city—I'll make her—
Georgiana. [Interrupting.] Sam, stop! [He rises.] I can't hear any more!
[A pause—she sobs; he waits.
Coast. I won't stop, not till you say you'll marry me! If I let up to-day, I'll begin again to-morrow, and when I stop to-morrow it'll be to go ahead the day after! I've never failed yet in getting anything I've set after, and this is the biggest thing I've ever made up my mind to.
Georgiana. And this time you will lose. Because I can never love you. [He tries to interrupt.] No, let me finish. I'll tell you why I can't love you. I'll tell you, only just you, Sam, remember that. I could never love you because I love now, with every bit of love there is in me, the man who has just left this house, who has gone to fight and perhaps will never come back.
Coast. Has he asked you to be his wife?
Georgiana. I love him all the same!
Coast. And I love you the same way you love him—ain't you a little sorry for me?
Georgiana. Yes—
Coast. That'll do to go on with—
Georgiana. [Laughs hysterically.] Oh—Sam, can't I make you understand?
Coast. No, nor make me give up. I'm coming to see you again to-morrow; when will you be in?
Georgiana. Not at all.
[She moves about the room.
Coast. What time in the afternoon?
Georgiana. I shall be out all afternoon.
Coast. I'll call at five.
Georgiana. Very well! You'll find Louise and mother.
Coast. Coleman thinks you'll have me!
Georgiana. He couldn't! Why should he?
Coast. He congratulated me, when he was here just now!
Georgiana. For what?
Coast. For you!
Georgiana. Oh! [Laughing hysterically.] That's what he meant by his happy marriage—
[Laughing and crying.
Coast. If he mentioned marriage, that's what he meant.
Georgiana. But didn't you tell him he was wrong?
Coast. No.
Georgiana. But why not?
Coast. I wanted him to think it!
Georgiana. But it was wrong of you—it can never be true, and I don't want him to go away believing it. [Music of a military band is heard in the distance.] Here they come! [Going to the balcony, he follows.] No, please don't come out with me! Sam—I don't want him to see me standing there with you. [Sam starts towards Georgiana.] Let me go out on the balcony alone, Sam! Please, alone!
[He looks at her a moment and then deliberately goes past her out on to the balcony.
Mrs. Carley. [Hurrying in from the Right.] They're coming! I've told the children.
[She goes out on balcony. The children run in.
All The Children. The soldiers are coming! Auntie, the soldiers are coming!
[They rush out on the balcony.
Coast. [In the window, picking up Phil in his arms.] Come on, Georgy. What does it matter?
Georgiana. That's true, go on! What does it matter, it's good-by!
[Coast goes on the balcony. Mrs. Carley, on balcony, calls, "Here comes Dick!" Georgiana hesitates and then goes close to the window. She stands in a chair so as to see over the others' heads, hidden behind the curtain of the half-open window, and watches. The music is louder as they pass under the balcony; a flag is seen almost on level with the balcony floor. Those on the balcony wave and shout, and shouts are heard in the street. Georgiana stands still, wiping the tears from her eyes every moment with a tiny wad of a handkerchief, and as the music passes, growing less loud,
the curtain falls
ACT III
Eight months later. Georgiana's room, an octagonal room with dark panel walnut woodwork and panels of yellow brocade, with furniture to match. All in the simplest style of Louis XV. There is a fireplace on the Left, and doors Right and Left. Two windows at the back. At right of the Centre is a very large dressing table covered with massive silver toilet articles, a big mirror, candelabra, etc., and a silver-framed, photograph of Dick Coleman. There is a low bench before the table, tables and chairs about the room, and a most comfortable, roomy sofa, on the Left, piled with embroidered pillows. It is after seven and the lamps are lit. Steven enters from Left and sits on the sofa. He is haggard, his clothes mussed, his linen rumpled and soiled. He is painfully nervous and agitated; he cannot keep still; as soon as he sits down he gets up; he goes from one place in the room to another, taking up a picture without looking at it, sitting down and getting up again. Twice he half whispers, half groans, "Good God!" He takes out a pistol from his pocket, looks at it, and puts it away again as Lizzie enters Right.
Lizzie. Miss Carley says she'll be in as soon as she can.
Steven. [Rising and going to the dressing table.] Is she dressing for the ball now?
Lizzie. No, sir, she's wearing a tea gown for dinner; it'll be a grand sight, the ball, sir!
Steven. I suppose so.
Lizzie. Pity we couldn't 'ave got the Grand Duke here, sir, to dinner.
Steven. [Moving about.] We couldn't afford to entertain a Russian prince, Lizzie,—don't tell your mistress,—but I've been speculating again and we're hard up.
Lizzie. Oh, I am so sorry, sir—I know how to sympathize with you, though we did get our money back! Perhaps you'll get yours.
Steven. How about you and Moles?
[Comes to Lizzie.
Lizzie. Well, sir, last Tuesday we counted up, we're about two years off, or fourteen hundred dollars distance, so to speak. We've calculated then we could marry and settle down if we'd be satisfied with two rooms and no children.
[There is a knock on door Left. Yes? [Going to the door, opens it.] Oh, come in, sir. [Moves away.] Mr. Carley is here.
Coast. [Entering.] Where's Miss Georgiana?
Lizzie. She's dressing, sir. She'll be down in five or ten minutes.
[Goes out Right.
Coast. How are you?
[The two men nod a surly greeting.
Steven. I've been looking for you all afternoon!
Coast. Didn't you know I was coming here and going with your folks to the ball?
Steven. I forgot!
[After a pause, both men look at each other.
Well, Sam, I'm done! I'm done for good this time!
Coast. Sorry, but you can't blame me.
[He sits in an arm-chair near the sofa.
Steven. I do. You told me you were going into this last business, but you didn't tell me you were going to get right out again.
Coast. 'Twasn't my business to tell you that—I didn't advise you to go in!
Steven. No, but you put me up to it all the same!
Coast. Not a bit! The only time I advised you was some months ago, when you'd just lost Louise's money,—then I put you on to something, so you shouldn't lose Georgiana's. Did you win?
Steven. Yes, and broke my word to Georgiana.
Coast. Well, that's her and your business, but it let me out! From that time on you were on your own hook.
Steven. You were always throwing out hints that you meant me to take.
Coast. Listen. [Rises and goes to Steven.] You can't prove that!
Steven. You know you led me into it, you know you did. You tempted me in the first place to break my word of honor to my sister. Whether you meant to or not, you did it, damn you—and you're a rich man, you've got millions, and can help me out! Will you?
Coast. [Quietly.] No.
[Moves a little away toward the Left.
Steve. You're my wife's own cousin, and she's a pauper and through no fault of her own. Will you help me for her sake?
Coast. [Still quietly.] No.
Steven. You're in love with my sister, and she's not got a cent of her own to-night through me. Will you help me for her sake?
Coast. [Still quietly.] No!
Steven. [Going to him.] No?
Coast. No!
[Strong.
Steven. Then damn you for a dirty blackguard!
Coast. [Laughs.] That's pretty talk; I guess you got that from me too!
Steven. [Doggedly.] I'll do more than talk!
[Turns away and goes up stage.
Coast. What?
Steven. Wait and see.
Coast. Listen! if one thing happens, I'll help you.
Steven. [Turning.] You mean Georgiana!
Coast. Yes, if she'll marry me, I'll make up to you every damn cent of hers you've got rid of.
Steven. And if she won't?
Coast. I'll make up every penny of Louise's you've lost, if Georgiana'll marry me. Listen—[Sam puts his arm around Steven and brings him down to the sofa and they sit.] she loves you, you're the kind that always has influence with women; use yours for me, Steve, it'll be worth your while.
Steven. [Half laughs.] You want me to try and persuade her to marry you against her own desire even?
Coast. That's the figure.
Steven. When I know you're, in your way, just as dishonorable a man as I am, and hard and heartless, [Steve rises.] I wouldn't risk my sister's happiness with you, if it would save me twice over. Even if she loved you, I'd say what I could against it.
Coast. [Quick.] She'll never know you broke your word to her if I help you.
Steven. Yes, she will, because I mean to tell her to-night.
Coast. All right!
Steven. That's what I've come for, to make a clean breast of everything.
Coast. You're a damned fool! [He rises and moves away.] However, each way plays more or less into my hands.
Georgiana. [Outside of door Right.] If you are telling secrets, look out—I'm coming!
Coast. Come on!
[Georgiana comes in, dressed in graceful negligée tea gown.
Georgiana. Good evening, Sam! Steve, you're not dressed yet?
Steven. I forgot about the ball.
Georgiana. I can tell you one person who hasn't, and that's mother!
Coast. [Laughing.] Is she going to be corking?
Georgiana. [Sitting in the arm-chair by the sofa.] If the Grand Duke were a bachelor and mother had designs upon him, she couldn't possibly take more pains! She's going to be beyond all words. She's got every jewel she owns and can borrow draped about her, till she looks like Tiffany's exhibit at the St. Louis Fair. And as for her hair, she's had Bella Shindle working on it all afternoon, till it's the Titianest Titian that ever flamed on human head!
Coast. Sounds great!
[Sitting on the bench. Steven sits on the sofa.
Georgiana. Wait! She's built her tiara up with a breastpin and an aigrette off my winter hat, and it was all I could do to keep her from wearing the three feathers in which she was presented to the Queen in A.D. '73.
[They all laugh good-naturedly.
Coast. Aunt Laura's a corker!
Georgiana. Well, no one will miss her! She'll get the Grand Duke's eye if no one else does! I tell her she'll go through the ballroom like a search-light!
Coast. Is she all dressed now?
Georgiana. Not yet. I'm judging by her dress rehearsal! I left her in a state of terrible indecision as to whether she should arch her eyebrows "just a little" with a burnt match!
[All laugh again good-naturedly.
Coast. Smart old girl!
Georgiana. She's all the happier for being silly, and she's a good soul and does her best! What's your news, Steve?
[Turning to Steven.
Steven. Sam, would you mind?
[Motions to Coast to leave the room.
Coast. Oh, no! [Rises.] See you later! I'll go and take a squint at auntie.
[He goes out Right.
Georgiana. Steve, you look troubled—what's gone wrong?
[She goes to Steven on the sofa and sits beside him.
Steven. I have!
Georgiana. How do you mean? You and Louise haven't quarrelled?
Steven. If it was only that!
Georgiana. What then?
Steven. I've gone wrong, I tell you, all wrong.
Georgiana. How? In what way, Steve?
Steven. Your money's lost, it's all lost.
[Georgiana rises. A pause.
Georgiana. How do you mean?
Steven. And that isn't the worst of it, either. I've broken my word to you! I know I've killed your faith in me. I've lost faith in myself.
Georgiana. [Still standing, very strong.] Steve!
Steven. I've speculated!
Georgiana. No, Steve!
Steven. [Rises and goes to the mantel.] Yes, I've been speculating since the very day I said I wouldn't. I won a lot at first, and of course I thought I'd get all back; and then, of course, what I did get back was my old cursed luck!
Georgiana. Oh, Steve! And I believed in you so thoroughly, I never had a doubt!
Steven. I know it! I know it! I'm rotten all through, Georgy. [Bursting into tears.] I'm not worth being forgiven—[He falls on his knees, in a paroxysm of sobs and tears.] I'm rotten! Oh—I'm rotten—
[He sobs uncontrollably.
[Georgiana watches him a little while in silence. Then she goes to him and puts her hand on his shoulder.
Georgiana. Steve!
Steven. [Sobbing.] Yes!
Georgiana. I forgive you!
Steven. No! No!
Georgiana. And I'll trust you again if I have a chance.
Steven. [Looking up.] Georgy, what do you mean?
[Beginning to control his sobs.
Georgiana. I mean, though it's been a pretty big blow, my faith in you isn't altogether gone yet.
Steven. Oh, I can't bear it! I can't bear it! But you don't mean it! No, you can't mean it! How could you? Forgive me? Trust me again? No, no! You couldn't—it's all over! I've thrown away my own money first, then my wife's and her mother's—that ought to have been enough,—but I had to go and break my word of honor to you, and lose every penny of yours! There's no excuse for me, nor reason to forgive.
Georgiana. [After a moment, very quietly, with her eyes filling.] There's love, Steve!
Steven. Not for a man like me. I'm not worth it. [He rises.] Not deserving it! There's only one thing for such as me, and that is to end it all with a bullet.
Georgiana. Now you're talking wildly!
Steven. [In a lowered voice.] No, Georgy, I mean it! It's better for all of you to have me out of the way; I tried to do it to-day—only, I was afraid!
Georgiana. That would be worse than anything you have done yet. That I would never forgive—anything but that!
[She goes to him.
Steven. But the shame of my life now, the degradation, the rot of it!
[A moment's pause.
Georgiana. [The idea comes to her.] Steve, I told you I'd trust you again if I had the chance! Here is the first one, and I take it! Promise me you'll never again even think of taking your life.
Steven. What's the good of my promising?
Georgiana. If you tell me, I'll believe you.
[A short pause.
[Steven, not looking at her, puts his hand in the pocket where the pistol is, then takes his hand away, still not looking at her.
Look me straight in the face, Steve, and say, "I promise."
[He hesitates only a moment, and then does so.
Steven. I promise.
[He turns a little away from her, takes the pistol from his pocket, and gives it to her.
Georgiana. [Bursting into tears.] Oh, Steve!
[She turns away and puts the pistol on the table between the windows.
Steven. Forgive me, Georgy, forgive me! This promise I'll keep. Only forgive me for breaking your heart like this!
Coast. [Entering Right.] I've been sent up to bring you down to dinner.
[He takes in the situation. A pause.
Georgiana. Do you know what Steve has just told me?
Steven. [Bitterly.] Yes, he knows.
Coast. Just what?
Georgiana. Steve has gone on speculating, and my money's followed the rest.
Coast. Yes, I knew that.
Georgiana. Couldn't you have saved him?
Coast. I offered to once, but you refused.
Georgiana. And now?
[Short pause.
Coast. [He goes to Georgiana, who is on the sofa.] My offer is still open to the same tune.
Steven. No, Georgy, no!
Georgiana. For Steve's own sake, won't you do something for him? Get him some position so that he can take care of Louise. I'll look after myself.
Coast. I'll do all and more, if you'll marry me.
Georgiana. You know I can't marry you.
Coast. What does Steve say?
Steven. What Georgy says, I say.
Coast. How are you going to get out of this without me?
Steven. I don't know.
Coast. And there's something else. [Steps towards Steven.] Perhaps you don't know that unless some one does get you out of this, it won't be only a money smash-up for Georgiana, but disgrace too!
Georgiana. That can't be true! I shall say my brother had control of my money to do what he liked with it.
Coast. But any lawyer would take up the case of criminal mismanagement for my aunt and cousin's affairs.
Georgiana. But they wouldn't allow it.
Coast. Well, what do you think?
Steven. Louise—never!
Coast. Leave it to me!
Steven. Ah! your true colors! You heard him, Georgy?
Coast. Well, let that pass. But you know that you've overdrawn at your bank, that you've overdrawn at your brokers, and that you can no more get out of the muddle you've got yourself into without one of the biggest public scandals there's been in the street for years!
Georgiana. But you can spare us that?
Steven. [Very low.] Good God!
[He moves away.
Coast. [To Georgiana.] That's what I can.
Georgiana. And you love me?
Coast. I certainly do!
Georgiana. Then you will spare us!
Coast. If you'll marry me.
Steven. No! [Comes down to her.] Georgy, you mustn't! [Coast walks away.] Don't you see what a selfish brute Sam is? Of course it was my fault that I gambled, but he tempted me, he led me into it when he knew I couldn't resist. The very day and hour I gave you my promise, he gave me a tip and guaranteed I shouldn't lose!
Georgiana. Sam! Oh!
[She turns to the bench before her dressing table and sinks upon it.
Coast. [Speaks to her across the table.] It's true! And I led him to speculate more, I tricked him first with winning and then let him go! I knew he'd soon do for himself alone, and he did! Yes—I ruined him purposely and you through him, so as to get you to be my wife. I did it purposely and I'd do it again! Of course I meant all along to make it up in the end when I'd got you.
Georgiana. And did you really think you could get me that way?
Coast. Why, you've got to marry me. You needn't be afraid of what I won't do for you. I love you, you know that. Everything—I've told you that before. You shall have everything on God's earth you want, and Louise and her mother shall live in style as they always have, and Steve have his own money back, with a brother-in-law to help him take care of it! And what's the other side of the picture? Nothing for you or Louise or anybody—and disgrace for Steve into the bargain. Why, you've got to marry me! [Georgiana rises, Coast follows her.] Don't you see? Anyway [Smiling.] it was only a trick to make you, because, Georgy, I love you so! [A pause; she stands looking at him.] Well?
Georgiana. I'm trying to realize—to understand it all.
[Moles enters Left.
Moles. Please, miss, Mrs. Carley says your soup is all cold and they're on with the fish.
Georgiana. Tell Mrs. Carley not to wait for Mr. Carley and me, we're not coming down; but Mr. Coast will join them in a moment.
[Coast looks up surprised.
Moles. Yes, miss.
[He goes out. A moment's pause.
Coast. What do you mean by that?
[Another pause.
Georgiana. [Slowly.] Not to save myself, not even to save my brother, and from even worse than we have to face, would I marry you.
Coast. Don't say that, Georgy!
Georgy. Why, every word you've said, and everything you've done to make me love you, makes me instead—yes—and for what you've done with Steve [Looks at Steve.], I do hate you.
[Goes to the sofa, Coast follows.
Coast. I only said it because I love you, Georgiana.
Georgiana. Oh, Sam Coast, you don't know what love is! Love doesn't make beasts of men, it makes men of beasts. It doesn't take all for itself—it sacrifices all for another. Love isn't an enemy that lays traps and makes ambushes,—love is a friend whose heart is a divine magnet! Real love makes an angel of a woman and a hero of a man, but love such as you have—oh, the happiness in this world that's been lost through it!
Coast. You don't know me!
Georgiana. I didn't, but I do! You've dragged down my brother, sacrificed him and my belief in him, almost, for your own selfish end, tried to trap me into marrying you when you know I didn't love you.
Coast. But you would—
Georgiana. Once perhaps, though I can't imagine it! But not now! No! I'd starve and suffer and die now before I could ever love you.
[A pause; Coast goes to the table and stands half shamefaced a moment, then he pulls himself up and turns.
Coast. Well, face the music for a while, and then see!
Georgiana. They're waiting for you at dinner; please join them and tell them what you like.
Coast. I'll tell them nothing. I'll let you and Steve think things over a little.
Steven. [Rises, and goes to meet Coast.] You will have something to settle with me outside of money matters!
Coast. [With a jeer.] Please yourself.
[He goes out.
Georgiana. [To Steven.] I believe I can influence Louise to do nothing for the sake of the children, and she loves you in her way.
Steven. But the bank?
[He sits on sofa beside her.
Georgiana. Oh, we can take care of the bank; after all, we've friends, we've jewels, we've this house.
Steven. That's true, and the brokers?
Georgiana. Who are they?
Steven. Caldwell and Hovery.
Georgiana. Mr. Caldwell will be at the ball to-night?
Steven. Probably.
Georgiana. I'll see him. We've always been good friends,—and so were his father and your father. He won't let his firm make a scandal if he can help it, especially as they can gain nothing and we should lose so much! Steve, we'll get out of this yet, with your name all right!
Bella. [Entering Right.] May I come in?
Georgiana. Yes, Bella.
Bella. Oh, good evening, Mr. Carley, it's a pleasant evening!
Steven. Good evening, Miss Shindle.
Bella. What I come to ask is if I shall do you now, and Mrs. Wishings around the corner afterwards?
Georgiana. I think I'd rather you went to Mrs. Wishings first if you don't mind.
Bella. Oh, it's all the same to me! Mrs. Wishings ain't really in the smart set and they say her husband ain't so rich, and she's horrid to her servants—don't give them cake. I don't care if I lost her head to do! I'm like that, as you know, particular when I'm particular, but—well—just supercilious and negligée when it don't count! Good gracious! [Laughing.] Oh, here's a letter for you I brought up for Lizzie. It's from the Phillypeenys and has a special delivery on. [Georgiana takes letter and opens it and reads it.] That's how it come at this hour. Some folks do have luck, as the saying is! I've got to wait till to-morrow morning for mine if I get one, and if there's a Phillypeeny post and I don't get one, well, I pity the ladies' hair I dress to-morrow, that's all! [To Steven.] Mr. Carley, you've got lovely soft hair, haven't you? I know you have a lovely disposition, I can tell it from your hair. Yes, indeed, they always go together, it's a certain sign! Now Mrs. Wishings' hair is just like a horse's tail! what there is of it. I often feel like asking her which she'd rather I done it, on or off! [Laughs heartily.] I must have my little joke, but nobody minds me—good-by.
Steven. Good-by.
[Bella goes out Left.
Georgiana. [Looking up, bursting with happiness and reading as she speaks.] Oh, Steve! Steve! Such good news! I can hardly wait to tell you, but just let me finish it.
Steven. Finish anything that means good news, Georgy, and then for heaven's sake tell me what it is.
Georgiana. [Closing the letter.] It's finished!
[She looks up radiant and forgetful of him for a moment.
Steven. Well!
[Rises and goes to Georgiana.
Georgiana. [Softly.] Dick loves me!
Steven. Dick Coleman?
Georgiana. He loves me, he's always loved me!
Steven. But why—? I don't understand—
Georgiana. No, I didn't know it. I thought—there were reasons why I thought he didn't love me. But I understand now. Listen; I'll read you a part of his letter—a part of it! Oh, this makes up for everything, Steve. [She reads.] "My dear—[She stops and improvises the next three words.] my dear Georgy: [She looks up slyly to see if Steven noticed the change; he didn't.] Each steamer brings me letters from home, but never a word of your engagement to Coast, never a word of your marriage. Is that broken off—" How do you suppose he got the impression I was going to marry Sam?
Steven. Why everybody has seen, who cared to look, that Sam was dead in love with you.
Georgiana. Yes, but—well—never mind, listen—"Well, however it is, we're starting off to-morrow out of reach of letters and everything else, except an ugly band of natives that we came here to do for. The chances are pretty big against many of us getting back, and anyway I'm going to take this chance to tell you that I love you better than anything and everything and everybody in the world. And in case I never come back, somehow or other, I don't know why, I want you to know it. I was a little late in finding it out,—all of a sudden I knew you were the only woman for me, and that the only thing I seemed to want in the world was you for a wife. And there was Coast ahead of me! I don't know if it would have made any difference if you loved Coast and not me, perhaps you never would have cared for me, but I'd have done my best, for, Georgy—I love you"—[She reads ahead to herself, murmuring so he cannot understand.] "I don't know why I must tell you all this, but I must"—[She reads ahead again in silence, skipping the passages which are too loving and too precious to read aloud.] I think that's all—[She looks up and smiles, and adds softly.] that I care to read aloud! Oh, Steve!
[She puts her arms around his neck and hugs him.
Steven. I'm so glad, old girl, so glad!
[Tightening his arm about her.
Georgiana. Steve, I'm so happy! I don't want to seem selfish, and really I'm not forgetting you, but I can't help it. I'm so happy.
[Steven kisses her. A short pause.
Georgiana. [Softly, thoughtfully.] Can one cable to the Philippines?
Steven. Yes!
[Smiling and again giving her a little squeeze.
Georgiana. [Going to the sofa.] So far as I'm concerned, my money now doesn't count a rap. Dick has plenty and doesn't want mine. So now it's only Louise and mother you must think of, and you can take care of them well, you know you can, if they'll only accept the different conditions. And Dick and I'll help—
Steven. [Interrupting.] I hate to say it, Georgiana, but suppose—
[Very serious.
Georgiana. What?
Steven. Well, you know why Dick wrote that letter,—because he was going into dangerous fighting.
Georgiana. Oh, he will come back, he must come back! So few of our men have been lost in the Philippines, Dick can't be one of the few. After all, life nowadays isn't so tragic as that.
Steven. Yes, of course Dick'll come back, Georgy [Short pause.], but won't he despise me?
Georgiana. No, you're my brother. And oh, Steven, forgive me, but I'm so happy. [Hugging the pillows on the sofa and burying her face in them.] Don't let me be silly—don't let me forget I'm an old maid,—and there's no fool like an old fool! I mustn't forget there's probably an orange or two among the blossoms for my hair!
[Mrs. Carley and Louise come into the room from the Right without speaking. They look from Georgiana to Steven. They are under the strain of violent emotion almost too much for words. Their appearance is tragic.] There is a pause.