Janet could scarcely dwell on her employer's growing penchant for conversation with her when his wife was presumed to be securely occupied.
"Mr. Grey," said his wife, half reflectively, "Mr. Grey has the creative temperament."
She frequently aired this phrase; it had, she believed, the ring and tang of distinction. Privately, she thought that the artistic temperament incapacitated a man from the sane discharge of his most elementary duties.
"The creative temperament," she went on, "is too fine to cope with the details of business."
She gave Janet to understand that it was imperative that the success of "The Great Reprieve" should be followed up without delay.
"Mr. Sarsfield, the manager," continued Mrs. Grey, "has just telephoned anxiously for the next manuscript."
"Mr. Grey is still working on the revision of the third act," said Janet. "As soon as he finishes it, I shall rush the whole play through. Of course, I can type the first two acts at once."
"Yes, do. But can you work uninterruptedly here? Perhaps you could finish it faster at home—instead of coming here?"
Janet jumped at the chance. "Certainly," she said, "I can finish it at home in half the time."
Mrs. Grey was taken aback. On second thoughts, she put Janet's eagerness down to the new feminist strategy.