“I've done more than that,” replied Peter calmly; “I've written a new one.” And as Zanin's brows came down questioningly he added: “I think you'll find I've pointed up your ideas. The thing was very strong. Once I got to thinking about it I couldn't let go. What it needed was clarifying and rearranging and building for climaxes. That's what makes it so hard for our people to understand you Russians--you are formless, chaotic.” “Like life,” said Zanin. “Perhaps. But not like our stage traditions. You wanted me to help you reach a popular audience. That's what I'm trying to do for you.” “Fine!” said Zanin doubtfully. “Let me take it along. I'll read it to-night--go over it with Sue, perhaps.” Peter shook his head. “But I'll have to see it, Mann.” “I'll read it to you--to you and Sue,” said Peter. Zanin looked at him, faintly surprised and thinking. Peter went back to the hearth, dropped on his knees and threw another bundle of letters into the fire. “The fact is,” said Zanin, hesitating, “I had some work planned for Sue this evening.” “No hurry,” remarked Peter. “Ah, but there is.” Zanin hitched forward in his chair. The eager hardness came again into his eyes. His strong, slightly husky voice rose a little. “Why? How so?” Peter settled back on his heels and poked the fire. “Look here, Mann--everything's just right for us now. I've interested the Interstellar people---that's partly what I came to say--they'll supply studio stuff for the interior scenes and a camera man. Also they'll stand a third of the expense. They're ready to sign whenever you are. And what's more important--well, here's the question of Sue.” “What's the question?” “It's delicate--but I'll be frank.” “Better be. You and I are going into this as business men, Zanin.” “Exactly. As business men. Well--Sue's a girl, after all. In this thing we are staking a lot on her interest and enthusiasm--pretty nearly everything.” “Of course. “Well, she's ready--eager. I know her pretty thoroughly, Mann. I've studied her. We have no real hold on her. She isn't a professional actress, to be hired at so much a week. Her only reason for going into it at all, is that she believes, with you and me, that the thing ought to be done. Now that's all right. It's fine! But it's going to take delicate handling. A girl acts as she feels, you know. Right now Sue feels like doing my Nature film with all her might.” He spread out his hands. In his eyes was an eager appeal. “God, Maun, that's all we've got! Don't you see? Just Sue's feelings!” “I see,” Peter replied. He threw the last heap of photographs on the fire. “But what was the frank thing?” Zanin hesitated; drummed nervously on the chair-arm. “I'm coming to that. It's a bit awkward, Mann. It's--well, I am more or less in Sue's confidence, you know. I'm with her so much, I can sense her moods.... The fact is, Mann, if you'll let me say so, you don't seem to understand women.”