"To learn to live—and then, to live," replied he.
She laughed. "Ah, that comes a little later."
"Not much later," rejoined he, "or there's no time left for it."
It was Freddie who, after lunch, urged Susan and Clélie to "show Brent what you can do at acting."
"Yes—by all means," said Brent with enthusiasm.
And they gave—in one end of the salon which was well suited for it—the scene between mother and daughter over the stolen diary, in "L'Autre Danger." Brent said little when they finished, so little that Palmer was visibly annoyed. But Susan, who was acquainted with his modes of expression, felt a deep glow of satisfaction. She had no delusions about her attempts; she understood perfectly that they were simply crude attempts. She knew she had done well—for her—and she knew he appreciated her improvement.
"That would have gone fine—with costumes and scenery—eh?" demanded Freddie of Brent.
"Yes," said Brent absently. "Yes—that is—Yes."
Freddie was dissatisfied with this lack of enthusiasm. He went on insistently:
"I think she ought to go on the stage—she and Madame Clélie, too."