"Art and the world!" he said enigmatically.
"Well, but, Max, don't you represent the world in connection with the art of music?"
"I! Do I?" he said, suddenly grave.
She laughed.
"I should think so, mon cher. I don't believe either you or I have a right to talk!"
It was a moment of truth, and was followed, as truth often is, by a moment of silence. Then Mrs. Shiffney said:
"Claude Heath has gone to Algiers to compose an opera."
"Oh, all this opera madness is owing to the success of Jacques!"
"Of course. I know that. But another Jacques might spring up, I suppose. Henriette wouldn't like that."
"Like it!" exclaimed Max Elliot, twisting his thick lips. "She wants a clear field for the next big event. And I must say she deserves it."