STEVEN. [_Half laughs._] You want me to try and persuade her to marry
you against her own desire even?

COAST. That's the figure.

STEVEN. When I know you're, in your way, just as dishonorable a man as I
am, and hard and heartless, [STEVE _rises_.] I wouldn't risk my sister's
happiness with you, if it would save me twice over. Even if she loved
you, I'd say what I could against it.

COAST. [_Quick._] She'll never know you broke your word to her if I help
you.

STEVEN. Yes, she will, because I mean to tell her to-night.

COAST. All right!

STEVEN. That's what I've come for, to make a clean breast of everything.

COAST. You're a damned fool! [_He rises and moves away._] However, each
way plays more or less into my hands.

GEORGIANA. [_Outside of door Right._] If you are telling secrets, look
out--I'm coming!

COAST. Come on!

[GEORGIANA _comes in, dressed in graceful negligée tea gown._

GEORGIANA. Good evening, Sam! Steve, you're not dressed yet?