Page:Edgar Jepson--the four philanthropists.djvu/253

Rh Later in the evening she said with kindly frankness, "I've often thought if my Art allowed me to marry, you are the man I would marry. But it is impossible."

Before we went to America we had seriously discussed that matter. Now, to my surprise, I found myself heartily thanking my stars that her Art was of this exacting nature: so great a change does a separation of eight months work in a naturally faithful heart.

However I said sadly. "It seems pretty hard on me." "I don't know," she said, looking at me with doubtful eyes. "You're very clever, but you're a queer creature. As likely as not you'd expect your wife to be a regular old-fashioned, domesticated frump. Why—why I believe you're Philistine enough at heart to expect her to sacrifice her Art to her children."

"I should certainly expect them to come first," I said firmly.

"I thought so," said Dolly with faint contempt.

She seemed ready to let the discussion drop, and I let her drop it.

The next morning I observed for the first time Angel's new curiosity about my movements. She did not ask me outright; that would have been too much to expect from any woman, even from her. But she learned after I had whetted her curiosity