“Is Mr. Davis there?” she asked. “Tell him Miss Mayfield wants to talk to him.” Then after a pause: “Good morning—you remember you offered me a contract last week. Is it still open? Send it over and I’ll sign it— Tomorrow? Yes, I can begin tomorrow. Nine o’clock—that’s awfully early, but I can do it I suppose if other people do. Yes, thanks. Woman’s prerogative and I have changed mine. Tomorrow, then— Thank you— Good-bye.” “There now, I’ve promised to go to work in the movies and earn some money. Meantime if you can straighten out my financial puzzle I shall be most grateful.” “Have you ever worked in motion pictures before?” asked Ruth. “No, but we all come to it sooner or later, that is if they’ll take us. I haven’t any illusions about it. They may not like me at all. Being an actress on the speaking stage doesn’t always mean that one can make a picture actress. Half the down and out artists of the spoken drama who scorn the movies, couldn’t get in if they tried. But if they give me a contract for a few weeks I’ll have that at least, and then if I’m no good I won’t have to worry about it any more.” “Has Miss Irwin an engagement yet?” “No; but she’s doing her best, poor dear. It’s awfully hard in the middle of the season. Angela Peyton-Russell is going to give a Christmas party at their house in the Berkshires. I’ll have her invite you, too. If I work a few weeks in pictures I’ll be ready for a rest. By the way, did you see Percy last night?” Suddenly Ruth had a suspicion that this was the real reason why she had been called in. Gloria’s tone was almost too casual and she had asked her question without introduction, abruptly in the middle of other things. “Yes, I met him and he’s awfully nice and good looking, but I told him that I had no relatives and that I am living with friends.” “He asked then?” “Yes; I suppose the name made him curious.” “He isn’t married?” “If he is his wife was not with him and he didn’t mention her. I’m almost sure that he’s not.” “Did he talk about astronomy?” “No—that is yes—only to say that he’d given it up and art is his latest fad.” “Take care you don’t fall in love with him, he’s very fascinating,” said Gloria, smiling. “I know—why did you divorce him?” “How should I know?” Gloria frowned impatiently. “Oh, because he was quite impossible—as a husband. All men are.” “I’ll take your book to the bank now. I’ve missed my morning class anyway,” said Ruth rising. The weight of all the things she knew and guessed, and did not know, was pressing heavily on her and she longed for some one to whom she could tell everything and get advice. Obviously her temperamental aunt was not the one. At the door she paused again, making one last effort to simplify her problem. “Why don’t you discharge George anyway and get another woman? I’m sure he must be very expensive.” “You don’t like George, do you?” “No, I don’t. He’s not like any nigger I ever saw before. Where did he come from anyway?”