"Have you decided on the subject?"
"Yes—sort of enchanted Maeterlinck forest with Melisande coming through the trees."
"Charming. Did you choose it?"
"No, the committee decided on it. I shall begin at once."
"Who will you have for Melisande?"
"Althea Morton."
"Of course; she will be fine. But will she pose?"
"She will," he replied with what he hoped was a mysterious smile. It was a trifle annoying to have her so pleased with the arrangement. "I'd be obliged if you would occasionally show yourself while she is here," he added.
"I will, if I'm at home. There's no disguising the fact, however, Jerry, that my absence causes no acute pain to Miss Morton."