As I'm
saying nothing, it may be soothing--like the sound of
the waves. I've learned to take you as you are. I
rather like your pose.''
No reply. No sign that he was even tempted to rise
to this bait and protest.
``But you don't like mine,'' she went on. ``Yes, it
is a pose. But I've got to keep it up, and to pretend
to myself that it isn't. And it isn't altogether. I shall
be a successful singer.''
``When?'' said he. Actually he was listening!
She answered: ``In--about two years, I think.''
No comment.
``You don't believe it?''
``Do you?'' A pause. ``Why ask these questions
you've already answered yourself?''
``I'll tell you why,'' replied she, her face suddenly
flushed with earnestness. ``Because I want you to help
me. You help everyone else. Why not me?''
``You never asked me,'' said he.
``I didn't know I wanted it until just now--as I
said it. But YOU must have known, because you are
so much more experienced than I--and understand
people--what's going on in their minds, deeper than
they can see.
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