had ever occurred between
them, and Bambi took the train to New York with a disagreeable taste in
her mouth. She was going for a conference with Strong about the book,
which had got a splendid start in the holiday sales. He had some plans
to feature it in various conspicuous ways, so that it might
advertise the play.

Arrived in Grand Central Station, she wired Jarvis, "Sorry was horrid
about Strong," just to make her self-esteem less flat. Then she went to
Strong's office. He greeted her in his cordial way, only his eyes
admitting his joy at sight of her.

"It is good to see you," he said.

"You won't like me. I'm utterly detestable to-day. I was nasty to Jarvis,
and cross with Ardelia."

"I can't imagine you either nasty or cross."

"Me? Oh, I scratch and spit and bite!"

"You are the most human person I ever encountered," he laughed.

"Be nice to me, and I may cheer up."

"I shall try. I have news about the sale of the book that ought to cheer
a tombstone. I think we have a best-seller on our hands."

"I'm not a bit ashamed of it."

"Why should you be?"

"Aren't you a literary pariah, if you're a best-seller?"

He laughed.

"How is the play coming on?"

"Pretty well, I think. We're up to the climax of the second act. Jarvis
is working on it to-day."

"Still no suspicion of you?"

"Not a grain. I think he's falling in love with the author of
'Francesca,' though."

"How?"

"Through their letters."

"You certainly have a talent for comedy," he laughed, and added,
gravely, "I thought Jocelyn had always been in love with the author of
'Francesca'?"

"No-o."

"I have always known that the author of 'Francesca' cared about Jarvis."

"You must have dreamed that, Richard. Poor old Jarvis! Sometimes I think
I will confess. Maybe I have no right to make game of him this way."

"Doesn't he suspect your style in your letters? I would know a letter
from you, no matter what the circumstances."

"Oh, I don't write like myself. I write like an author. I found out what
he thought she looked like, and I write tall, pale, sensitive-mouthed
kind of letters, with a hint of sadness."

"You imp!" he laughed.

"Improves my style. You ought to be glad. Let's hear about the plans for
the book."

They settled down to discussing advertising plans, which kept them busy
until late afternoon. When the last detail was settled, Bambi rose
with a sigh.

"Whew! That was a long siege. Like Corp in 'Sentimental To