Georgiana. Then you will spare us!
Coast. If you'll marry me.
Steven. No! [Comes down to her.] Georgy, you mustn't! [Coast walks away.] Don't you see what a selfish brute Sam is? Of course it
was my fault that I gambled, but he tempted me, he led me into it when he knew I couldn't resist. The very day and hour I gave you my promise, he gave me a tip and guaranteed I shouldn't lose!
Georgiana. Sam! Oh!
[She turns to the bench before her dressing table and sinks upon it.
Coast. [Speaks to her across the table.] It's true! And I led him to speculate more, I tricked him first with winning and then let him go! I knew he'd soon do for himself alone, and he did! Yes—I ruined him purposely and you through him, so as to get you to be my wife. I did it purposely and I'd do it again! Of course I meant all along to make it up in the end when I'd got you.
Georgiana. And did you really think you could get me that way?
Coast. Why, you've got to marry me. You
needn't be afraid of what I won't do for you. I love you, you know that. Everything—I've told you that before. You shall have everything on God's earth you want, and Louise and her mother shall live in style as they always have, and Steve have his own money back, with a brother-in-law to help him take care of it! And what's the other side of the picture? Nothing for you or Louise or anybody—and disgrace for Steve into the bargain. Why, you've got to marry me! [Georgiana rises, Coast follows her.] Don't you see? Anyway [Smiling.] it was only a trick to make you, because, Georgy, I love you so! [A pause; she stands looking at him.] Well?