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--