They moved on out upon the walk and into the hideous clamor of Forty-second Street, his mind still busy with the significance of her news. Henry Olquest in an auto sat waiting for them. After a quick hand-shake Douglass lifted Helen to her place, followed her with a leap, and they were off on a ride which represented to him more than an association with success--it seemed a triumphal progress. Something in Helen's eyes exalted him, filled his throat with an emotion nigh to tears. His eyes were indeed smarting as she turned to say: "You are just in time for dress rehearsal. Do you want to see it?" "No, I leave it all to you. I want to be the author if I can. I want to get the thrill." "I think you will like our production. Mr. Olquest has done marvels with it. You'll enjoy it; I know you will. It will restore your lost youth to you." "I hope it will restore some of your lost dollars. I saw by the papers that you were still struggling with _Enid_. I shudder to think what that means. The other poor little play will never be able to lift that huge debt." "I'm not so sure about that," she gayly answered. "The rehearsals have almost resigned"--she pointed at Hugh's back--"him to the change." "I confess I was surprised by his cordial greeting." "Oh, he's quite shifted his point of view. He thinks _The Morning_ may 'catch 'em' on other grounds." "And you--you are radiant. I expected to find you worn out. You dazzle me." "You mustn't look at me then. Look at the avenue. Isn't it fine this morning?" He took her hint. "It is glorious. I feel that I am again at the centre of things. After all, this is our one great city, the only place where life is diverse enough to give the dramatist his material. I begin to understand the attitude of actors when they land from the ferry-boat, draw a long breath, and say, 'Thank God, I'm in New York again.'" "It's the only city in America where an artist can be judged by his peers. I suppose that is one reason why we love it." "Yes, it's worth conquering, and I'll make my mark upon it yet," and his tone was a note of self-mastery as well as of resolution. "It is a city set on a hill. To take it brings great glory and lasting honor." She smiled up at him again, a proud light in her eyes. "Now you are your good, rugged self, the man who 'hypnotized' me into taking _Lillian's Duty_. You'll need all your courage; the critics are to be out in force." "I do not fear them," he answered, as they whirled into the plaza and up to the side entrance of the hotel. "I've engaged a room for you here, Douglass," said Hugh, and the new note of almost comradeship struck the playwright with wonder. He was a little sceptical of it. "Very well," he answered. "I am reckless. I will stay one day." "Mother will be waiting to see you," said Helen, as they entered the hall. "She is your stanch supporter." "She is a dear mother. I wish she were my own."