"I've been seeing quite a little of Sherman Peale lately and I've wondered if you appreciate what an extraordinary person he is."
"What?" she said lifelessly. "Oh, yes; I believe I do. Why?"
"He doesn't think so," Walter explained. "He's rather mystified by your treatment of him, though I'm sure you haven't meant to be rude."
"Rude?"
"Hasn't he written you twice asking when he could see you?"
"Yes. Three times. Another note came to-day 'in case the others had miscarried,' he mentioned."
"And you haven't answered any of them? I imagine he's a little taken aback."
"Do you?" she asked, still gazing absently at the fire. "How did you find all this out? Did Mr. Peale tell you?"
"No. His daughter told me. She was secretly terribly amused, and laughed about it. I'm afraid she doesn't take her father very seriously?"
"No," Claire said. "What does she take seriously?"
"I'm not sure. Why?"
"Because there's only one thing she can."
