"But I am a man, you a woman. Women are said to have stronger instincts than men."
"Aren't you playing with your own convictions?"
"Am I?"
He stared at her, but for a moment his eyes looked unconscious of her.
"Mrs. Shiffney said something to me that struck me," he said presently. "She implied that experiences of all kinds are the necessary food for anyone who wishes to be at all a big artist. She evidently thinks that England has failed to produce great musicians because the English are hampered by tradition."
"She thinks uncleanliness necessary to the producing of beauty perhaps!"
"Ah, I believe you have put into words what I have been thinking!"
"Is it wisdom to grope for stars in the mud?"
"No, no! It can't be!"
He was silent. Then he said: