r a question about herself.

"If I didn't believe I was going to succeed--and succeed big--" she
began. After a pause, she added, "I'd not dare say it."

"Or think it," said he.

She colored. "What do you mean?" she asked.

He did not reply.

"What do you mean, Mr. Keith?" she urged.

"You are always asking me questions to which you already know the
answer," said he.

"You're referring to a week or so ago, when I asked you why you
disliked me?"

No answer. No sign of having heard. No outward sign of interest in
anything, even in the cigarette drooping from the corner of his mouth.

"Wasn't that it?" she insisted.

"You are always asking me questions to which you already know the
answer," repeated he.

"I am annoying you?"

No answer.

She laughed. "Do you want me to go away and leave you in peace with
that--law case--or whatever it is?"

"I don't like to be alone."

"But anyone would do?--a dog?"

No reply.

"You mean, a dog would be better because it doesn't ask questions to
which it knows the answer."

No reply.

"Well, I have a pleasant-sounding voice. As I'm saying nothing, it may
be soothing--like the sound of the waves. I've learned to take you as
you are. I rather like your pose."

No reply. No sign that he was even tempted to rise to this bait and
protest.

"But you don't like mine," she went on. "Yes, it is a pose. But I've
got to keep it up, and to pretend to myself that it isn't. And it
isn't altogether. I shall be a successful singer."

"When?" said he. Actually he was listening!

She answered: "In--about two years, I think."

No comment.

"You don't believe it?"

"Do you?" A pause. "Why ask these questions you've already answered
yourself?"

"I'll tell you why," replied she, her face suddenly flushed with
earnestness. "Because I want you to help me. You help everyone else.
Why not me?"

"You never asked me," said he.

"I didn't know I wanted it until just now--as I said it. But YOU must
have known, because you are so much more experienced than I--and
understand people--what's going on in their minds, deeper than they can
see." Her tone became indignant, reproachful. "Yes, you must have
known I needed your help. And you ought to have helped me, even if you
did dislike me. You've no right to dislike anyone as young as I."

He was looking at her now, the intensely alive blue eyes sympathetic,
penetrating, understanding. It was frightful to be s