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!