“Chtt,” shrugged Constance, “that's only being more than usually well. You don't think Mary needs coddling, do you? She's worried because you are bored. If you aren't there, she won't worry. I shall take your advice—I shan't come here again—” and she settled her hat briskly—“and you take mine. Go away—” Constance threw on her coat—“go anywhere you like, my dear Stefan—” she was at the door—“except south,” she added with a mischievous twinkle, closing it.
Stefan, grinning appreciatively at this parting shot, unscrewed his sketch of Constance from the easel, set it face to the wall in a corner, cleaned his brushes, with the meticulous care he always gave to his tools, and ran for the elevated, just in time to catch the next train for Crab's Bay. At the station he jumped into a hack, and, splashing home as quickly as the liquid road bed would allow, burst into the house to find Mary still lingering over her lunch.
“What has happened, Stefan?” she exclaimed, startled at his excited face.
“Nothing. I've got an idea, that's all. Let me have something to eat and I'll tell you about it.”
She rang for Lily, and he made a hasty meal, asking her unwonted questions meantime about her work, her amusements, whether many of the neighbors were down yet, and if she felt lonely.
“No, I'm not lonely, dear. There are only a few people here, but they are awfully decent to me, and I'm very busy at home.”
“You are sure you are not lonely?” he asked anxiously, drinking his coffee, and lighting a cigarette.
“Yes, quite sure. I'm not exactly gay—” and she smiled a little sadly—“but I'm really never lonely.”
“Then,” he asked nervously, “what would you say if I suggested going off by myself for two or three months, to Paris.” He watched her intently, fearful of the effect of his words. To his unbounded relief, she appeared neither surprised nor hurt, but, after twisting her coffee cup thoughtfully for a minute, looked up with a frank smile.
“I think it would be an awfully good thing, Stefan dear. I've been thinking so for a month, but I didn't like to say anything in case you might feel—after our talk—” her voice faltered for a moment—“that I was trying to—that I didn't care for you so much. It isn't that, dear—” she looked honestly at him—“but I know you're not happy, and it doesn't help me to feel I am holding you back from something you want. I think we shall be happier afterwards if you go now.”