Her Own Way Part 25

GEORGIANA. But, d.i.c.k, I'm perfectly happy in what I'm doing.

d.i.c.k. Of course! but that doesn't make it any the pleasanter for me.

[_Rises._] Good-by.

GEORGIANA. [_Rising._] And that's all, just good-by?

d.i.c.k. No, I wish you all kinds of happiness in the future and the happiest marriage in the world.

GEORGIANA. Oh, thank you very much.

d.i.c.k. [_With great effort._] I wish you everything that's good, Georgy, old girl!

GEORGIANA. Well, I'm sure no one could ask for more; and what shall I wish you?

d.i.c.k. Wish me a big fight, and an exciting one! Wish me a chance to do something! Wish me--oh, what does it matter--wish me--"Good-by."

GEORGIANA. What does it matter? Good-by! No!

[_They shake hands; she follows him to the door._

d.i.c.k. I must. I'll be late.

GEORGIANA. _Be_ late.

d.i.c.k. [_Looking at her a moment._] _I am_--too late. Good-by.

[_He is going out again and she stops him._ Good-by. [_Light-heartedly._

[_He goes out. She stands where he leaves her, facing the door. A pause._

GEORGIANA. "What does it matter"--"wish me good-by."

[_She turns, looking straight ahead of her, gazing into s.p.a.ce, realizing what it means to her. Slowly the emotion creeps into her face, she falters where she stands, and turns about to burst into tears, when_ COAST _comes back into the room_.

COAST. I heard Coleman go--can I talk with you a little?

GEORGIANA. [_Sitting on the sofa._] No, Sam, I don't feel like it!

[_She cannot keep her tears back._

COAST. [_Going to her._] Georgy, don't--don't--I love you.

GEORGIANA. No! I don't want you to.

COAST. It don't make any difference if you want me to or not; I do, got to, it's so strong in me--won't you have me?

GEORGIANA. No! Won't you leave me alone a little?

COAST. No, I can't. Listen; I know I'm not refined enough for you--but I can get over that in time. Sure! I can get over everything for you, if you'll only love me.

GEORGIANA. No! now go away from me.

[_He kneels beside her a little awkwardly, trying to make her look at him._

COAST. There isn't a thing in this world that money can buy I won't give you.

GEORGIANA. There are some things money can't buy.

COAST. No, there ain't--not _my_ money! You'll have everything a woman can hanker after in this world--the best there is, and Steve shall have it, too, for your sake.

GEORGIANA. I can never love you.

COAST. Listen! I'll make my wife the biggest woman in the city--I'll make her--

GEORGIANA. [_Interrupting._] Sam, stop! [_He rises._] I can't hear any more!

[_A pause--she sobs; he waits._

COAST. I won't stop, not till you say you'll marry me! If I let up to-day, I'll begin again to-morrow, and when I stop to-morrow it'll be to go ahead the day after! I've never failed yet in getting anything I've set after, and this is the biggest thing I've ever made up my mind to.

GEORGIANA. And this time you _will_ lose. Because I can never love you.

[_He tries to interrupt._] No, let me finish. I'll tell you why I can't love you. I'll tell you, only just you, Sam, remember that. I could never love you because I love now, with every bit of love there is in me, the man who has just left this house, who has gone to fight and perhaps will never come back.

COAST. Has he asked you to be his wife?

GEORGIANA. I love him all the same!

COAST. And I love you the same way you love him--ain't you a little sorry for me?

GEORGIANA. Yes--

COAST. That'll do to go on with--

GEORGIANA. [_Laughs hysterically._] Oh--Sam, can't I make you understand?

COAST. No, nor make me give up. I'm coming to see you again to-morrow; when will you be in?

GEORGIANA. Not at all.

[_She moves about the room._

COAST. What time in the afternoon?

GEORGIANA. I shall be out all afternoon.

COAST. I'll call at five.

GEORGIANA. Very well! You'll find Louise and mother.