Sterling. Blanche, go to your mother and ask her to see Ned to thank him. I want a minute's talk with him if you don't mind.
Blanche. [Pathetically.] What difference does it make, Dick, if I do mind?
Sterling. Don't say that, old girl, and don't think it.
Blanche. Dick, you are honest, aren't you?
Sterling. [Without flinching.] What a question, Blanche!
[Jordan enters Left announcing "Mr. Warden." Warden enters, and Jordan goes out.
[Edward Warden, though in reality scarcely younger than Sterling, looks at least ten years his junior. He is good-looking, practical, a reasoning being, and self-controlled. He is a thorough American, with the fresh and strong ideals of his race, and with the feeling of romance alive in the bottom of his heart.
Sterling. [In enormous relief, greets him joyfully.] Ned, what do you think! The greatest news going!
Blanche. Dick!
Sterling. Excuse me, Blanche, I forgot; but Ned will know how I can't help being glad.