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!