PHILIP. If you've got any good tips, papa, save some for little brother.
[_The children go out Left with_ GEORGIANA.
STEVEN. [_Putting his hat and coat down on the sofa._] He's on to his father early! Sam, any news?
STEVEN. I've heard of a big thing, an absolutely straight tip,--inside information.
COAST. [_Sitting in the rocker._] Well, don't tell it, or you'll spoil it.
STEVEN. The women are so down on my speculating, Georgiana especially.
COAST. What do the women folks know about business? Why don't you keep what you do to yourself?
STEVEN. But you see my money's all gone, and I need more--only to recoup with.
COAST. [_After a slight pause._] As I remember, you can do what you like with Louise's money.
COAST. You're too blamed afraid, that's why you always lose.
STEVEN. [_Walking up and down._] I know it. And this is the biggest chance I've had yet. If I dared risk it, I'm sure I could make a fortune! Not in words! I know what I'm talking about, Sam. Louise would have everything she wanted--and the way she'd live then! She could drop the social chip off her shoulders, go anywhere, and receive everybody.
[_Standing beside the table, he eats a little cake._
COAST. [_Pretending indifference._] What?
COAST. I ain't advising anything. If it went wrong, you'd blame me to the women.
COAST. [_Rises and goes to Steven and slaps him on the back._] No, Steve, I take it back. You take a licking better'n any feller I ever saw.
STEVEN. Experience! But this thing can't go wrong! The man who told me is the head and--I told Georgiana--didn't she give you a hint?
[_Turns up to the window and stands there with his back to Steven._
STEVEN. My tip's a great one--safe! Now, shall I take it?
COAST. Of course, when I feel as you do about a thing, I do it.
STEVEN. Yes! what I make's for Louise, not for myself.
COAST. I wouldn't say anything to Louise about it.
STEVEN. No, she'd be sure to talk it over with Georgiana.
COAST. And, say, not a word, you know, about me in all this.
COAST. Why not let the old lady in, too, Aunt Laura, if it's such a good thing?
[_Whistles, crosses to the sofa Right, and sits on_ GEORGIANA'S _furs; jumps up quickly, moves the furs, and then sits again._
STEVEN. That was an extraordinary thing. No one knows how it happened, but she lost every cent.