I don't want to bother you with business, but I've
been in an awful hole for money. I tried to make a big coup in Wall
Street the other day and only succeeded getting in deeper, and for the
last few days I've been nearly distracted.
BLANCHE. Why didn't you tell me?
STERLING. I thought I'd get out of it with this Consolidated Copper
without worrying you.
BLANCHE. You were in that, too?
STERLING. How do you mean I, "too"?
BLANCHE. Mr. Mason has just told us _father_ lost everything in it.
STERLING. [_Aghast._] You don't mean your father hasn't left any money?
BLANCHE. Nothing.
STERLING. [_Forgetting everything but what this means to him._] Nothing!
But I was counting on your share to save me! What did the damned old
fool mean?
BLANCHE. Dick!
STERLING. Forgive me, I didn't mean to say that.
BLANCHE. Oh, _who are you_! _What_ are you! You are not the man I
thought when I married you! Every day something new happens to frighten
me, to threaten my love for you!
STERLING. No, no, don't say that, old girl.
[_He tries to take her hand._
BLANCHE. What right have you to criticise my father, to curse him--and
to-day!
STERLING. I don't know what I'm saying, Blanche. Try to forgive me. I
wouldn't have thought of such a thing as his money to-day if it wasn't
the only thing that can save me from--disgrace.
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