Her Own Way Part 20

GEORGIANA. Steven, I have a condition about my money.

STEVEN. [_Crestfallen._] What?

GEORGIANA. It isn't to be used as you think. If I'm to help you, it must be in my own way.

STEVEN. How do you mean?

GEORGIANA. What's lost is _lost_. I have between five and six hundred thousand dollars, and we must all live on the income of that. And you must give your word of honor never to gamble in stocks again.

[SAM _comes back to front of table._

LOUISE. [_To_ STEVEN, _suddenly realizing it again._] You let _all_ my money go?

GEORGIANA. [_To_ LOUISE.] I will share what I have with you.

STEVEN. [_To_ GEORGIANA.] But you must let me try to get back--

GEORGIANA. [_Interrupting._] It would only be throwing good money after bad!

COAST. [_Sardonically._] How about Moles and Lizzie?

GEORGIANA. Don't _you_ worry about them! Moles and Lizzie shall have their money back, of course.

STEVEN. But I can't do it, Georgy. It's losing--why it's like losing a million to us!

GEORGIANA. Suppose you went on speculating with my money, and it went the same way as Louise's and her mother's?

COAST. And Lizzie's and Moles?

STEVEN. But it can't--it _can't!_

[STEVEN _sits on the sofa._ GEORGIANA _sits beside_ STEVEN. LOUISE _is still in the arm-chair Left._

GEORGIANA. O Steve! I've heard that so often. [_A pause._] You were always a straight boy, Steve, and you always kept your word. Your notion of honor, it seems to me, in little things hasn't been so strong lately, as this fever of speculation grew on you, but still you are the same Steve and you've never lied about your transactions; so I have faith in you. Now let's settle this once and for all and _my way_!

STEVEN. It's very hard, Georgiana.

LOUISE. We can never all of us live on your income--not as we're used to.

GEORGIANA. That's true. Come, Steve. Give me your word never to go into another speculation and let's throw it off for to-day. d.i.c.k's coming to say good-by. Let's give him happy memories of us, at least to take away with him. [_A moment's pause._] Come, Steve?

STEVEN. [_Low voice._] All right.

GEORGIANA. No more speculating; you'll give me your word--[STEVEN _rises_, GEORGIANA _rises._ STEVEN _nods his head._]--of honor, Steve?

STEVEN. Yes!

[_Nods his head._

GEORGIANA. Then that's settled.

[_Gives_ SAM _a calm, defiant look._

STEVEN. O Georgy! I don't seem grateful, but I am. I can't tell you! I can't say! But it's wonderful what you're doing! G.o.d bless you!

[_Puts his arms on_ GEORGIANA'S _shoulders._

GEORGIANA. [_With emotion, almost breaking down._] That's all right, Steve. We'll begin all over again.

[_She kisses him._

LOUISE. [_To_ GEORGIANA.] I suppose I ought to thank you too.

GEORGIANA. No, don't bother. Come upstairs and have your hair shampooed.

Bella must have painted mother red enough by now; it'll rest you and do you good.

LOUISE. After all, you're no real relation of ours, and you've done a fine thing.

GEORGIANA. [_Very simply._] Don't talk about it. I wish it were more. I realize fully what it means to your mother and you to have all your money gone. But we'll put our shoulders to the wheel and make the best of it. Come, dear, come.

[_She goes out Right._ LOUISE _is about to follow, but is stopped by_ STEVEN.

STEVEN. Louise, do you forgive me?

LOUISE. No, you ought to have asked my advice--let me know.

STEVEN. But when I used to talk to you about money matters, dear, you always begged me not to bother you.

LOUISE. I don't care, this is different. Sam!

[_Nodding good-by._

COAST. Do you mind my joining you to see the procession go by at five?

LOUISE. No!

[_She goes out Right._

STEVEN. What procession?

COAST. Coleman's regiment.

[_He puts his feet upon small gilt chair beside the table._

STEVEN. Oh, yes! Well--I've made a pretty big mess of things. I'm not fit to live, that's what's the trouble with me.

COAST. Oh, you must take everything in the day's work; but it's a pity she made you give her that promise.