3
The door opened, and she was there. He sprang up.
She shut the door behind her and put her back against it, and her hands, as if to support herself.
Felix stood staring at her in surprise. She was pale, and she had a heroic air, somehow. She tried to speak—twice—and made no sound, only a movement of the throat and lips.
“What’s the matter?” he asked anxiously, going up to her.
She put out her hands, as if to hold him away, and let them rest on his shoulders. She looked at him earnestly.
“Felix,” she said. “Felix.... I know what is troubling you.”
“Yes?” he said, confusedly.
“It’s that girl. You’re in love with her, Felix. Well—I keep my promise. You—you can—”
“What girl?” he asked, amazed.
“Dorothy!” she cried. “You’re in love with her. I knew it all along.”
“What!”
“Yes. I can’t bear to see you unhappy. I’d rather—”
He laughed and took her in his arms. “Little fool!” he said. “Little silly child! Dear little idiot!”
She burst out crying, and put her head on his shoulder.
“I’m not in love with anybody, you goose, except you,” he said. “What made you think I was? I suppose I have been acting crazy. I know I have. But it’s a different kind of craziness. I was worrying about—my job.”
“Your job?” She looked up from his shoulder. “Have you heard already? I just left Clive at the corner.”
“Clive? Heard what? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“He was coming down to tell you the news. You don’t know it? Well—a telegram came this afternoon. From Hawkins. He’s resigned. And you’ve been appointed in his place.”
“Really!”
“Yes, of course. I knew that was what would happen. But Felix—are you sure?” She meant about Dorothy.
“You’re crazier than I am, Rose-Ann—that’s all.”
“Well—” and she dried her tears. “I guess I am a fool.... But Felix—I left Clive at the corner drug-store. I was very mysterious, and said he mustn’t come here to the studio, but that he was to wait there for me.”
“What for?”
“I—told him I wanted him to help me celebrate an—occasion. But—”
“What kind of occasion?” Felix asked sternly. “Did you tell him any of this nonsensical—”
“No, Felix, I didn’t tell him anything. But—but we can still celebrate an occasion, Felix.”
“You mean my job?”
“No—I mean the—the anniversary of our marriage....”
“You poor abused darling! What an idiot I am!” And he took her in his arms again.
“I’ll wash my face, and be sensible now,” she said. “You go and get Clive, and—and we’ll celebrate!”