Warden. [To Godesby.] You wait a minute with me; I haven't finished with you yet. [To Jessica.] I'll stay here for your sister, in case she comes.
[Jessica goes out Left.
Godesby. [To Miss Godesby.] Don't you give in!
Miss Godesby. Not for a minute! [To Warden.] Don't you think, under the circumstances, the wedding breakfast had better be called off, and my brother and I go back to town?
Warden. Not till you've given me your promise, both of you, that you will keep silent about the embezzlement of your bonds for the sake of Mrs. Sterling and her son.
Miss Godesby. [Half laughs.] Huh!
Warden. For the sake of her mother, who is your friend.
[Sleigh-bells start up loud and die off quickly; Jessica has gone.
Miss Godesby. Oh, come, you know what sort of friends we are,—for the amusement we can get out of each other. This is the case,—I trusted this man with my affairs. He was very attractive—I don't deny that; business with Dick Sterling became more or less of a pleasure—but that doesn't cut any ice with me; he's stolen my money. To put it plainly, he's a common thief, and he ought to be punished; why should he go scot free and a lot of others not? You know perfectly well his note wouldn't be worth the paper it was written on; and, anyway, if he hasn't gone and sneaked out of the world, I won't lift my little finger to keep him from the punishment he deserves!
Godesby. Good for you, Julia!