There is always a jarring note, to be sure. In this case, it was the fact that Fraser had plenty of competition. He wasn't good-looking himself--a tall gaunt man of twenty-eight, with a dark hatchet face and perpetually-rumpled clothes. But still, Judy saw more of him than of anyone else, and admitted she was seriously considering his proposal and no other. He called her up once for a date. "Sorry," she answered. "I'd love to, Colin, but I've already promised tonight. Just so you won't worry, it's Matthew Snyder." "Hm--the industrialist?" "Uh-huh. He asked me in such a way it was hard to refuse. But I don't think you have to be jealous, honey. 'Bye now." Fraser lit his pipe with a certain smugness. Snyder was several times a millionaire, but he was close to sixty, a widower of notably dull conversation. Judy wasn't--Well, no worries, as she'd said. He dropped over to Sworsky's apartment for an evening of chess and bull-shooting. * * * * * It was early in May, when the world was turning green again, that Judy called Fraser up. "Hi," she said breathlessly. "Busy tonight?" "Well, I was hoping I'd be, if you get what I mean," he said. "Look, I want to take you out for a change. Just got some unexpected money and dammit, I want to feel rich for one evening." "Hmmm--" He scowled into the phone. "I dunno--" "Oh, get off it, Galahad. I'll meet you in the Dixie lobby at seven. Okay?" She blew him a kiss over the wires, and hung up before he could argue further. He sighed and shrugged. Why not, if she wanted to? They were in a little Hungarian restaurant, with a couple of Tzigani strolling about playing for them alone, it seemed, when he asked for details. "Did you get a bonus, or what?" "No." She laughed at him over her drink. "I've turned guinea pig." "I hope you quit _that_ job before we're married!" "It's a funny deal," she said thoughtfully. "It'd interest you. I've been out a couple of times with this Snyder, you know, and if anything was needed to drive me into your arms, Colin, it's his political lectures." "Well, bless the Republican Party!" He laid his hand over hers, she didn't withdraw it, but she frowned just a little. "Colin, you know I want to get somewhere before I marry--see a bit of the world, the theatrical world, before turning hausfrau. Don't be so--Oh, never mind. I like you anyway."