lows her
like a dog.

DICK. But it isn't--

MRS. CARLEY. [_Interrupting._] Not yet, but we don't dare breathe! And
we're on tiptoe for the final word.

DICK. What does Steven say?

MRS. CARLEY. Delighted, of course. [_Walks away a little._] I hope you
haven't brought Steve any tips to-day.

DICK. [_Laughing._] No!

MRS. CARLEY. Thank goodness! He doesn't seem to have had any this week
and the house has been fairly quiet! [GEORGIANA _comes back._] I must go
to Mrs. Vale. [_Goes out._]

GEORGIANA. Mother looks pleased.

DICK. She's never very depressed, is she?

GEORGIANA. Yes, sometimes,--in the day-time! It's largely a matter of
frocks and bonnets, and depends sometimes on the exact color of her
hair.

DICK. I often wonder that you keep on living with Mrs. Carley and
Louise. They can't help being beastly uncongenial to you.

GEORGIANA. But Mrs. Carley brought me up. She did her worst with the
best intentions, and you mustn't forget Steve! [_She sits beside the
table and_ DICK _leans against it to talk to her._] He's my own
brother, you know, and I'm so afraid Louise will finally disillusion him
and spoil his happiness. I'm standing on guard.

DICK. You think a lot of Steve.

GEORGIANA. I love him better than any one else in the world. [_She adds
in a very low voice._] Almost!

[_A short pause._

DICK. Steve comes second!

[_Pause._

GEORGIANA. [_Low voice and looking away._] Perhaps.

DICK. I hope you don't mind my asking you these questions.

GEORGIANA. No, I like it.

DICK. I don't want you to tell me anything more than you care to.

GEORGIANA. [_Turning and half laughing._] That's very good of you.

DICK. But I _wish_ you'd tell me everything.

GEORGIANA. My dear Dick, there isn't anything more for me to tell.

DICK. Oh, very well, if you want to leave it that way.

[_Moving away._

GEORGIANA. Leave what?

DICK. I mean if that's all you want to tell me.

GEORGIANA. Why don't _you_ tell _me_ something.

DICK. That's what I've come to do.

GEORGIANA. Have you?

DICK. [_Turns and faces_ GEORGIANA.] Our regiment is ordered off to the
Philippines.

GEORGIANA. Your regiment?

DICK. Yes.

GEORGIANA. [_Breathless._] Who's going?

DICK. Who? Why, we're going, of course.

GEORGIANA. All of you?

DICK. Yes, all of us. There are two insurrections on a couple of
islands that must be put down, and they want some fresh men.

GEORGIANA. But it will be awful warfare out there, won