She nodded; they went slowly to the door, down to the hot street in silence. On Greenwich Avenue, near the new theatre, still in process of building, they found a taxi. * * * * * When they descended at the studio she was just on time. “Thank you so much,” she said, not offering him her hand. “To-morrow, Eris?” he asked. “I can’t. I’m called for ten o’clock.” “In the evening, then?” “I’m dining with Mr. Smull.” “Could you lunch with me the day after that?” “I’m sorry.” A pause: “Are you offended?” he asked in a low voice. She looked up, slightly shook her head. “You don’t seem very anxious to see me again,” he added, forcing a smile. In the eyes of the girl he read neither response nor any comment. “I won’t detain you now,” he said. “I’m sorry you seem to be unable to see me soon.” “I hope you will feel like working soon,” she said quietly. “I’ll begin in a day or so.... Are you free day after to-morrow, at any time?” “Yes.” “When?” “Could you come to dinner?” His features altered swiftly: “You charming, generous girl! Of course I’ll come----” “Good-bye,” she nodded, and turned away into the portal where the door-keeper on duty stood watching them. CHAPTER XX Except for one disquieting symptom, Annan had no reason to suppose that his budding affair with Eris was to develop and terminate differently from other agreeable interludes in his airy career. That symptom was a new one--an odd disinclination to work because his mind was preoccupied with a girl. No other tender episodes in this young man’s career had interfered with his creative ability. On the contrary, they had stimulated it. Always he had taken such incidents gaily; always he remained receptive, not seeking; the onus of initiative equally shared; the normal end a mutual enlightenment, not too tragic, and with the germ of future laughter always latent, even quickening under tears. There never had been any passion in these affairs--not on his part anyway--unless a passion for the analysis of reactions counted, and a passionate desire to comprehend beauty, physical and intellectual; its multiple motives, responsibilities, and penalties. Partly experimental, partly sympathetically responsive, always tenderly curious, this young man drifted gratefully through the inevitable episodes to which all young men are heir. And something in him always transmuted into ultimate friendship the sentimental chaos, where comedy and tragedy clashed at the crisis.