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44 [Laughing.] I am very common today. Perhaps that idea never struck you?

[Drily.] Many ideas strike a man who has lived nine years with a woman.

Yes. I suppose they do. This beautiful cool stone does me good. Is it a paperweight or a cure for headache?

Bertha brought it home one day from the strand. She, too, says that it is beautiful.

[Lays down the stone quietly.] She is right.

Is that all you wanted to say to me?

[Quickly.] There is something else. The vicechancellor sends you, through me, an invitation for tonight—to dinner at his house. You know where he lives? [ nods.] I thought you might have forgotten. Strictly private, of course. He wants to meet you again and sends you a very warm invitation.

For what hour?

Eight. But, like yourself, he is free and easy about time. Now, Richard, you must go there. That is all. I feel tonight will be the turningpoint in your life. You