"Greater. He is almost perfectly satisfactory."
"Not quite?"
"Not yet; he will be, some day, if he can only have an unhappy love affair," Beatrix answered placidly, as she rose from the tea table and crossed to the open fire.
"That is an humane speech."
"Artistic, though. He needs just that to develop him. He strikes every note but tenderness."
"Tenderness is generally located at C in Alt, Beatrix. A baritone can't soar to that height; you should be content when he growls defiance and moans resignation."
"Besides," Sally suggested; "it is quite within the limits of possibility that Mr. Thayer might have a happy love affair. Would that answer your purpose, Beatrix?"
"Not in the least. It is his minor key that needs developing."
"Never mind," Bobby added. "Artists are scheduled for the unhappy loves. Therein lies the advantage of being merely a newspaper man."
Sally looked up inquiringly.