ht out, haven't you?"
"I have."
"Sounds like a farce plot to me. Give me my instructions again. You want
me to send for him, tell him to make a play out of this book----"
She smiled and nodded.
"Suppose he asks me who the author is?"
"You could say that she insisted upon preserving her anonymity."
"What else do I do?"
"That's all."
"If this is your idea of a short interview with God, you certainly make
good in dictating his policy to him!"
Bambi's laughter rippled and sang.
"But you will do it?"
"I'll make a start by calling the cabby."
She rose and held out her hand.
"I'm so glad you're like this," she said. "I shall love doing things
with you."
"Much obliged. I'm glad you came in. You'll probably hear from one of us
as to the next move in the matter. Good-bye!"
"Good-bye and thanks, Mr. God."
His laugh followed her out. He sat for several minutes thinking about
her and her plan. He recalled Jarvis's fine, unconscious exit at the
time of his interview. He rang for a boy, and demanded Jarvis's address.
Bambi walked out, treading on air. She had won her point. She had got
Jarvis his chance. She thought it all out--the coming of Frohman's
letter, his joy over the commission, how he would announce it to her.
She laughed aloud, so that several people turned to look at her and a
man slowed up and fell in step.
She went into a tea-shop to have tea, calm down, and decide on the next
step. Would she stay over-night, summoning Jarvis to meet her next day,
or should she go home on the night train and not see him at all? Could
she bear to see his face with the imprint of poverty and discouragement?
He had been so reduced as to be forced to drive a cab, she might even
meet him on the avenue! No, she would go home to-night, and let Jarvis
come to her with news of his victory.
So she surprised the Professor at breakfast.
"Morning!" she cried.
"Bambi! We didn't expect you so soon."
"I finished what I had to do, so here I am."
"And Jarvis?"
"Oh, he's well."
"Was he surprised to see you?"
"Very."
"Is he getting on?"
"Slowly. But he will win."
"If he can learn to be practical----"
"He's learning," said Bambi, grimly.
"When is he coming home?"
"He did not say."
"Nobody buys his plays yet?"
"Not yet."
"I'm not surprised. That woman, you know, in the play he read us----"
"Don't talk about her till I get my breakfast."
He looked at her in surprise, she
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