As the time approached for Alexis to come, her calm, superficially stolid, was agitated to the depths. Beyond a few words, after his recital, this was the first opportunity she had had for an interview, and the very utmost must be gleaned from it. There was no telling when another would be forthcoming; so unfilial had Alexis become. Perhaps when the fear of encountering Claire had been removed, his visits might become more frequent. Of the absurdity of hoping that he ever would live with her again, she was not guilty. When the bird has once flown, the nest soon becomes outgrown. It would not even be desirable. In the dazzling future, Alexis would necessarily reside (her own pompous word) elsewhere. The weaving of these half-poetic, entirely vulgar dreams filled the woman with anticipatory satisfaction. When the door-bell shrilled, it surprised her. She responded in dignified leisure that belied the turmoil within. "It's Ito's evening out," she explained rather effusively. Stiff, very correct, Alexis answered her smile with constraint. As he hung his hat and coat upon the rack, a wave of nausea sickened him; an influx of memories not to be borne. Not for anything in the world, except the veiled promise contained in his mother's letter, would he have entered here again. He followed her into the living room, glancing about him apprehensively. "You said Claire would not be at home," he articulated thickly. "And so she isn't!" Mme. Petrovskey plumped herself into a large tapestry chair and motioned him to do likewise. "She and Dr. Elliott have gone out on one of their little sprees." Her sprightly manner irritated Alexis unbearably, and he was silent. "I thought it would be nice for us to be alone. Don't you think so?" "I have no desire to see Claire, as you know." "So I imagine, dear boy. But don't let us speak of that now. First I want to congratulate you upon your success. It simply delights me. You're twice as good as ever. More assured, more mature. Your rendering of the Brahm's Concerto was perfection. Lauer was transported by it. He said you were the best pupil he had ever had." Alexis's eyes lighted momentarily at the mention of his old master. "He came around to see me afterwards and was--very kind," he said almost eagerly. "He ought to be pleased! Even Sascha doesn't do him more credit!" she exclaimed with complacence. But the glow had departed from Alexis' face. He had not come to discuss music, and he wished she would get to the point. Although she could not always comprehend his moods, his impatience did not escape her now. "I suppose you are wondering why I wrote you to come to-night?" "Frankly, yes." "May I speak plainly?" "Why not?" "It has not taken much intuition on my part to know that you would like to divorce Claire." He avoided the over-eager gaze. His mother's attitude towards Claire had always filled him with distaste. "I think a divorce would be better for us both."