"Of course it seems a small matter. People would laugh at me, I know, for worrying. But what I feel is that if I go with Mrs. Shiffney, or go to Max Elliot's parties, I shall very soon be drawn into a life quite different from the one I have always led. And I do think it matters very much to--to some people just how they live, whom they know well, and so on. Men say, of course, that a man ought to face the rough and tumble of life. And some women say a man ought to welcome every experience. I wonder what the truth is?" Still with her eyes on him, Mrs. Mansfield said: "Follow your instinct." "Can't one have conflicting instincts?" "Oh, no!" "Then one's instinct may not be strong enough to make itself known." "I doubt that." "But I am a man, you a woman. Women are said to have stronger instincts than men." "Aren't you playing with your own convictions?" "Am I?" He stared at her, but for a moment his eyes looked unconscious of her. "Mrs. Shiffney said something to me that struck me," he said presently. "She implied that experiences of all kinds are the necessary food for anyone who wishes to be at all a big artist. She evidently thinks that England has failed to produce great musicians because the English are hampered by tradition." "She thinks uncleanliness necessary to the producing of beauty perhaps!" "Ah, I believe you have put into words what I have been thinking!" "Is it wisdom to grope for stars in the mud?" "No, no! It can't be!" He was silent. Then he said: "St Augustine, and many others, went through mud to the stars though." "St. Francis didn't--if we are to talk of the saints." "I believe you could guide me." Mrs. Mansfield looked deeply touched. For an instant tears glistened in her eyes. Nevertheless, her next remark was almost sternly uncompromising. "Even if I could, don't let me." "Why?" "I want the composer of the music I heard at the little house to be very strong in every way. No, no; I am not going to try to guide you, my friend!" There was a sound in her voice as if she were speaking to herself. "I never met anyone so capable of comradeship--no woman, I mean--as you." "That's a compliment I like!" At this moment the door opened and Charmian came in, wrapped in furs, her face covered by a veil. When she saw Heath with her mother she pushed the veil up rather languidly. "Oh, Mr. Heath! We haven't seen you for ages. What have you been about?" "Nothing in particular." "Haven't you?" "Take off that thick coat, Charmian, and come and talk to us." "Shall I?" She unbuttoned the fur slowly. Claude helped her to take it off. As she emerged he thought, "How slim she is!" He had often before looked at girls and wondered at their slimness, and thought that it seemed part of their mystery. It both attracted and repelled him. "Are you talking of very interesting things?" she asked, coming toward the fire. "I hear you are going for a cruise with Mrs. Shiffney," said Claude, uneasily.