Norma arched her eyebrows. “Aha! That is very like a confession!”
“Of what?”
“The ideal woman?”
“Perhaps,” he said.
“I thought everything was so positive in your scheme of life,” she remarked teasingly. “Don't you know?”
“Yes,” said Jimmie, “I know.”
Again the vibration that Jimmie, poorest of actors, could not keep from his voice, stirred her. She felt the indelicacy of having trodden upon sanctified ground. She turned away and sat down. They talked of other matters, somewhat self-consciously. Both welcomed the entrance of Connie Deering and Aline. The former filled the studio at once with laughing chatter. She hoped Norma had not turned Jimmie's hair white with the dreadful things she must have said.
“I don't turn a hair, as I'm a mere worldling, but Jimmie is an unsophisticated child of nature, and is n't accustomed to you, my dear Norma.”
She went on to explain that she was Jimmie's natural protectress, and that they who harmed him would have to reckon with her. Jimmie flew gaily to Norma's defence.
“And this child's garments?” he asked, indicating Aline, whose face was irradiated by a vision of splendid attire.