“I believe it’s the truth,” said Griggs himself. “We don’t mean anything especial, except a little chaff. It’s so nice to be idiotic and not to have to make speeches.” “I hate speeches,” said Katharine. “But what I began by asking was this. Must people necessarily have a very hard time in order to succeed at anything? You’re both successful men--you ought to know.” “They say that the wives of great men have the hardest time,” said Griggs. “What do you think, Mrs. Crowdie?” “Be reasonable!” exclaimed Hester. “Answer Miss Lauderdale’s question--if any one can, you can.” “It depends--” answered Griggs, thoughtfully. “Christopher Columbus--” “Oh, I don’t mean Christopher Columbus, nor any one like him!” Katharine laughed, but a little impatiently. “I mean modern people, like you two.” “Oh--modern people. I see.” Mr. Griggs spoke in a very absent tone. “Don’t be so hopelessly dull, Griggs!” protested Crowdie. “You’re here to amuse Miss Lauderdale.” “Yes--I know I am. I was thinking just then. Please don’t think me rude, Miss Lauderdale. You asked rather a big question.” “Oh--I didn’t mean to put you to the trouble of thinking--” “By the bye, Miss Lauderdale,” interrupted Crowdie, “you’re all in black to-day, and on Wednesday you were in grey. It makes a good deal of difference, you know, if we are to go on. Which is to be in the picture? We must decide now, if you don’t mind.” “What a fellow you are, Crowdie!” exclaimed Griggs. “I’ll have it black, if it’s the same to you,” said Katharine, answering the painter’s question. “What are you abusing me for, Griggs?” asked Crowdie, looking round his easel. “For interrupting. You always do. Miss Lauderdale asked me a question, and you sprang at me like a fiery and untamed wild-cat because I didn’t answer it--and then you interrupt and begin to talk about dress.” “I didn’t suppose you had finished thinking already,” answered Crowdie, calmly. “It generally takes you longer. All right. Go ahead. The curtain’s up! The anchor’s weighed--all sorts of things! I’m listening. Miss Lauderdale, if you could look at me for one moment--” “There you go again!” exclaimed Griggs. “Bless your old heart, man--I’m working, and you’re doing nothing. I have the right of way. Haven’t I, Miss Lauderdale?” “Of course,” answered Katharine. “But I want to hear Mr. Griggs--” “‘Griggs on Struggles’--it sounds like the title of a law book,” observed Crowdie. “You seem playful this morning,” said Griggs. “What makes you so terribly pleasant?” “The sight of you, my dear fellow, writhing under Miss Lauderdale’s questions.” “Doesn’t Mr. Griggs like to be asked general questions?” enquired Katharine, innocently.