Part 7 (2/2)

JORDAN. Mr. Warden.

RUTH. I can't wait. Good-by.

[_She goes out Left._

BLANCHE. We will see Mr. Warden.

JORDAN. Yes, madam.

[_He goes out Left._

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, d.i.c.k, if I _do_ mind?

STERLING. Don't say that, old girl, and don't think it.

BLANCHE. d.i.c.k, 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. d.i.c.k!

STERLING. Excuse me, Blanche, I forgot; but Ned will know how I can't help being glad.

[WARDEN _goes to_ MRS. STERLING.

BLANCHE. [_Shaking_ NED'S _hand._] And Mr. Warden knows nothing could make me ”_glad_” to-day. Thank you for all your kindness--

WARDEN. Don't thank me; it was nothing.

BLANCHE. Yes, please let me thank you all I can; it won't be half what I feel, but I want to know that you know even my silence is full of grat.i.tude for all you've done for my mother, sisters, and me.

STERLING. Yes, we're all immensely indebted to you, Ned, old man.

BLANCHE. I will tell mother. I know she wants to see you.

[_She goes out Right._

STERLING. [_Speaking with suppressed excitement and uncontrollable gladness, unable to keep it back any longer._] Ned, my wife's aunt, Miss Hunter, has put all her business in my hands.

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