He took one step toward her; and in that instant a wild frightened look came into her eyes ... like that in an animal’s caught in a trap. He turned away, saw a chair before him, and sat down, sick at heart. No, he would rather fail, than succeed—that way. When he looked up, she was standing, a little dizzily, beside the table, steadying herself with her hand. His theory had been wrong.... It wasn’t husband and wife—it was himself and Rose-Ann. And yet—was she despising him? Well, let her. “How long have you been in town?” she asked, quite naturally. “I arrived this noon,” he answered quietly. “Then you haven’t seen anything yet.” “No.” “There are some lovely places.” “I suppose so.” “I’ll show you about, if I may. I’d like to.” “I sha’n’t be here long,” he said. “Only a few days.” Since he had failed, he might as well go back quickly. “I’m sorry you can’t stay longer,” she said—wistfully, it seemed. That silly lie he had told to the managing editor to save his dignity, came into his mind. It would save his dignity here too. “I came to see the moving picture people about my play,” he said. “Oh, did Winters write you about it?” “Winters? No.” “I told him about it, and he was very much interested.” How utterly absurd! His play a movie!... Still, under the circumstances, he could hardly say that to her.... “You haven’t settled anything finally, have you?” she went on. “Because you really ought to see Winters. I’ll introduce you, if you wish.” “That will be fine,” he said mechanically. He wished he could tell her it was a lie; but that would be a confession of his purpose in coming—and his failure. “What are you doing this afternoon?” she pursued. “Nothing,” he said. She laughed. “You might be sociable and invite me to tea!” He pulled himself together. He must play this thing out somehow. It was only for a few days. “Tea?” he repeated stupidly. “Can’t you come? Then how about dinner?—No—” she bit her lip. “I forgot—I’ve an engagement for dinner. But—I suppose I can break it ... if you’d like me to.” “No, don’t break your dinner engagement. I can come to tea,” he said. She hesitated, and then said appealing, “I want to be good friends with you, Felix!” “I see no reason why we shouldn’t be,” he said.... That wasn’t very well done—he ought to be able to do better than that.... “It will be very nice to have tea with you.” “Have you seen the Palisades?” she asked. “No.” “No, of course not....” “The Palisades?” He appeared inquiringly interested. “Pergolas and palm-trees. You’ll like it. We’ll go there for a walk.” He smiled. “That will be lovely!” Rose-Ann put on her hat, and looked at it in the mirror. It did not satisfy her, and she went to a closet for another. She viewed herself with dissatisfaction, and then turned to him and said lightly, “Wait for me downstairs, Felix, while I change into some fresh things—I get so tired of my work-clothes.”