"Winslow wanted it. He can meet the people here who will help him—socially and politically."
"But can Louis stand the expense?"
"Yes, Winslow gave him a check for the whole thing."
Miss Anne blazed. "Do you mean that Louis is being paid for his hospitality?"
"It really isn't so bad as it sounds. Winslow wanted what Louis couldn't afford, so he put up the money."
"Oh, why didn't he come to me? I'd gladly pay his bills."
"He may have to come to you yet. He's talking about that villa in Italy for the three of you."
"I wish he'd go. Get away from Winslow, get rid of this house, look his poverty straight in the face, and find some way to rise on the wreck of his fortunes."
Meriweather nodded. "I know how you feel about it. But I know how he feels, too. Life has taken a lot out of him. The war did that for me. It was such a cataclysm that after it nothing seemed worth while. I was glad of a safe harbor here with Louis. And so I have stayed and let the world go by. But lately I have felt the stirrings of ambition. I want something for myself—a future and a name."
"Knowing Hildegarde has made you feel that way?" Miss Anne demanded.
"Yes."
Miss Anne's response was indirect. "Poor Sally, I am afraid her goose is cooked."
He laughed. "Sally isn't in earnest. You know that. If she cared, she'd never tell it."
