_]
There's _love_, Steve!
STEVEN. Not for a man like me. I'm not worth it. [_He rises._] Not
deserving it! There's only one thing for such as me, and that is to end
it all with a bullet.
GEORGIANA. Now you're talking wildly!
STEVEN. [_In a lowered voice._] No, Georgy, I mean it! It's better for
all of you to have me out of the way; I tried to do it to-day--only, _I
was afraid_!
GEORGIANA. That would be worse than anything you have done yet. That I
would never forgive--anything but that!
[_She goes to him._
STEVEN. But the shame of my life now, the degradation, the _rot_ of it!
[_A moment's pause._
GEORGIANA. [_The idea comes to her._] Steve, I told you I'd trust you
again if I had the chance! Here is the first one, and I take it! Promise
me you'll never again even think of taking your life.
STEVEN. What's the good of my promising?
GEORGIANA. If you tell me, I'll believe you.
[_A short pause._
[STEVEN, _not looking at her, puts his hand in the pocket where the
pistol is, then takes his hand away, still not looking at her._
Look me straight in the face, Steve, and say, "I promise.
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