nd put it on the box. Dressed in
a simple blue costume as if for traveling, she entered the cab
and gave the order to drive to the Grand Central Station.

At the corner she changed the order and was presently entering
the Beaux Arts restaurant where she had asked Freddie to meet
her. He was there, smoking calmly and waiting. At sight of
her he rose. "You'll have lunch?" said he.

"No, thanks."

"A small bottle of champagne?"

"Yes--I'm rather tired."

He ordered the champagne. "And," said he, "it'll be the real
thing--which mighty few New Yorkers get even at the best
places." When it came he sent the waiter away and filled the
glasses himself. He touched the brim of his glass to the
bottom of hers. "To the new deal," said he.

She smiled and nodded, and emptied the glass. Suddenly it
came to her why she felt so differently toward him. She saw
the subtle, yet radical change that always transforms a man of
force of character when his position in the world notably
changes. This man before her, so slightly different in
physical characteristics from the man she had fled, was wholly
different in expression.

"When shall we sail?" asked he. "Tomorrow?"

"First--there's the question of money," said she.

He was much amused. "Still worrying about your independence."

"No," replied she. "I've been thinking it out, and I don't
feel any anxiety about that. I've changed my scheme of life.
I'm going to be sensible and practice what life has taught me.
It seems there's only one way for a woman to get up. Through
some man."

Freddie nodded. "By marriage or otherwise, but always through
a man."

"So I've discovered," continued she. "So, I'm going to play
the game. And I think I can win now. With the aid of what
I'll learn and with the chances I'll have, I can keep my
feeling of independence. You see, if you and I don't get on
well together, I'll be able to look out for myself.
Something'll turn up."

"Or--_somebody_--eh?"

"Or somebody."

"That's candid."

"Don't you want me to be candid? But even if you don't, I've
got to be."

"Yes--truth--especially disagreeable truth--is your long
suit," said he. "Not that I'm kicking. I'm glad you went
straight at the money question. We can settle it and never
think of it again. And neither of us will be plotting to take
advantage of the other, or fretting for fear the other is
plotting. Sometimes I think nearly all the trouble in this
world c