"Do you wish to know what I thought of your letter?"
"Yes," he breathed.
"I will tell you some other time; not now…. Have you been perfectly well, Louis? But I heard all about you, every day,—through Rita. Do you know I am quite mad to see that picture you painted of her,—the new one—'Womanhood.' She says it is a great picture—really great. Is it?"
He did not answer.
"Louis!"
"Yes."
"I would like to see that picture."
"Valerie?"
"Yes?"—sweetly impatient.
"Are we to see each other again?"