“Success as an artist, and he’s going to share it as a man?” “I believe so—oh, I do believe so.” Uncle Clem walked awhile in silence. When he began to talk it was almost as if he were speaking to himself. “Queer trusting folk, we mortals,” he said. “And we set ourselves such wonderful tasks. How old Dame Nature must laugh at us and all our philosophies. Fancy two young people locking up the spark of love which had sprung between them, packing it away in a secret safe, and believing it could be brought to life when convenience allowed. How old Dame Nature must laugh! Can’t you imagine her peeping into the safe to see how the spark is getting along?” He turned suddenly upon Eve. “How is it getting along?” “I keep it locked up here.” She pressed her hand upon her heart. “Wonderful you!” said Uncle Clem. “God bless your trust. Hullo! This where you live?” “Yes.” “Can I come up for awhile?” “Not tonight.” “No—no—no. Of course not. He’ll come back with his pockets full of champagne, and his heart come to life. I like you, you know. I think you’re fine. You’re so damn good to look at, too. Ever hear of the purple patch?” “Yes. Why?” “Just thinking you’ve the leading light in your eyes that should guide a man there. Good-night.” “Good-night, Uncle Clem.” At two o’clock Eve took off her pretty frock, put on her plain cotton nightdress, and went to bed. PART SEVEN —WHO TRAVELS ALONE” I In the weeks following it was made clearly evident that Wynne Rendall was taking no precautions that his wife should share his new prosperity. Conceivably he thought that the mere sharing of his name—a name which had sprung into such instant prominence—was adequate compensation for any woman. The newspapers had given him unsparing praise, and already he had been approached by several managements with a view to undertaking their productions. To these offers he shook his head, replying that he was a writer by profession and not a producer. In an interview he told the reporter that he only worked in the direction of his ambitions, and for the moment his ambitions were satisfied. This was, of course, mere persiflage, but several members of the reading public thought it very fine. He was asked everywhere—but only accepted invitations which appealed to him. At the functions he attended he usually contrived to fire off at least a couple of startling phrases which were remembered and repeated by those persons who unintentionally work inside advertising for the would-be great. Being out and about so much he did not bother to alter the conditions of life at home. It is true he left rather more money for Eve to use, but since he showed no disposition for her to take a place beside him on the new plane she found no incentive to change the old régime.