"You think I could make you comfortable? Look after the studio, attend to the meals and other details which annoy you." "You're used to doing that," he said. "Quite so. And what am I to get out of this bargain, Mr. Paxton?" He stared at her a second. "Marrying me is not exactly a step down for you, socially," he said. "That does not interest me especially, but I admit it. Is there anything else?" "It would mean freedom from work, it would mean that you would have a home and be supported. It would mean leisure, and a chance to improve yourself. I think it would be a mighty good thing for you." She smiled her disconcerting smile. "You are taking a risk. You don't know me at all. What you want is a dumb wife, and, if you remember the play, she was not at all a comfortable possession." "I'm taking no greater risk than you are." "Oh, yes. I know you. I've studied you, off and on, for five years. You have barely looked at me. Think of Mrs. Abercrombie Brendon and Miss Morton. Would you be apologetic for me with them?" "Not a bit. I saw you handle them at the pageant." "And the studio crowd? Remember I've been a sort of servant to them." "They're all good sports. They all know you, and what you are. We can count on them." "I have no family. Have you any relations?" "No." "I think we ought to face all the possibilities." Jerry felt a trifle uncomfortable. If he had counted on any "King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid" scene, it had not worked out at all. He seemed to be defending himself to Jane, while she conducted the interview. "You don't dislike me, do you?" he asked. "No. But I think we would better keep sentiment out of the matter, don't you? It is, after all, a business arrangement, of so much for so much." "I thought maybe you were hurt because I did not protest some affection for you." "Oh, not at all." "I'm afraid I've done it very badly." "No, on the whole, I think you've done it very well. The main thing is that we should both understand perfectly. My contention is that I understand it better than you do." "I understand that you do not think much of me or the idea," he said impatiently. "On the contrary, I think highly of both. I only suggest that you ought to know more about my ideas and ambitions." "I'll take them on faith, Jane, if you will take me so." She hesitated a moment; her heart was suffocating her. Here was her chance, here was the open road to experience, possibly romance. Should she enter? Dared she risk so much on one throw? Christiansen's words came to her: "Come, child, let's be about your living." "Thank you, Mr. Paxton, I will marry you," she said to Jerry. "Good. I hope you may never regret it," he answered earnestly. "I hope the same for you," she flashed back at him. "When will you--when shall we do it?" "Whenever you like." "To-day, now. Let's get it over so I, so we, can settle down. Will you marry me to-day, Jane?" She gasped, then spoke quietly. "I am ready."