To be sure he had no money; he boasted himself an impoverished artist, but that only added to his attractions. She had plenty of money for them both, and to do her justice, money was so much a matter of course with her, that it never occurred to her that Jerry could really be poor.
She, too, was not unaware of Mrs. Brendon's intentions in regard to Jerry and herself, but she supposed that their constant meetings were prompted by his desires, rather than by Mrs. Brendon's passion for vicarious romance. Althea was happy, and willing to let events shape themselves as they would. This period of focussing Jerry's attention upon herself was exciting.
It was the second week after the pageant that Mrs. Abercrombie Brendon had an inspiration. It flashed upon her at a dinner party in her own house, when Jerry, Althea, a Mr. and Mrs. Wally Bryce, and the Brendons were present.
"We're all tired to death from that pageant. Let's take the Empress off to Palm Beach, Crom, and have a few weeks' rest. Will you all come?" she asked.
"I'll come," said Mrs. Bryce promptly, "and so will Wally, if I have to drag him aboard in chains."
"Good enough, old girl, but what about the Stock Exchange?"
"It will be here when we get back."
"One of your partners said that Wally's week-ends began on Thursday and ended the following Tuesday. They'll never miss you, Wally," laughed Mr. Brendon.
"How about you, Althea?" his wife asked.
"I should love it."