"I always think one of the signs of greatness in an artist is his knowledge of what environment, what way of life, is necessary to his talent. No one can know that for him. Every really great artist is as inflexible as the Grand Rocher."
She pointed with her right hand toward the precipice.
"That is why women always love and hate him."
Her eyes and her voice lightly mocked him. She turned her head and looked at him, smiling:
"I am sure Charmian knows that."
Claude reddened to the roots of his hair and felt suddenly abased.
"There are very few great artists in the world," he said.
"And, so, very few inflexible men?"
"I have never—"
He pulled himself up.