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, d.a.m.n 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 d.a.m.n 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 d.a.m.n 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 d.a.m.ned 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 negligee 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 t.i.tianest t.i.tian that ever flamed on human head!

COAST. Sounds great!

[_Sitting on the bench._ STEVEN _sits on the sofa._