"You shall not be put off. I said good night, dear, out of consideration for you. You look so exhausted, dear child. I must do a little more work, and then I will stop. Go up and get off your tight, uncomfortable gown. I will not be long."
He touches her forehead with his lips. She moves toward the door. She says brokenly, through her smiles:
"It is good of you, Ed."
He smiles and replies:
"Good to myself."
She hurries through the hall and up the stairs. She is trembling with happiness. She has not had so intimate a conversation with Braine for three weeks. She pushes open her dressing-room door. Susanne has been asleep, but rises quickly to assist her. She undresses Helen deftly:
"Is Madame going at once to bed?"
Helen shakes her head. Susanne brings her a negligée. Helen pushes it away:
"No, the new one—the one sent home yesterday."
Susanne's eyes sparkle. She brings it at once. She remarks: