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diff --git a/11197-h/11197-h.htm b/11197-h/11197-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1000ce4 --- /dev/null +++ b/11197-h/11197-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,12037 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> + +<html> +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> + + <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of BAMBI, by MARJORIE BENTON + COOKE.</title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times; } + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 14pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + .quote { margin-bottom: 0.5em; } + .closing { text-indent: 10%; + margin-top: 0; + margin-bottom: 0; } + Body { margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + font-size: 14pt; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + .letter { width: 25%; + text-align: left; + margin-top: 0.5em; } + .chapter { width: 70%; + margin-top: 2.75em; + margin-bottom: 1.5em; } + .figure { margin: 1em; + border: thin silver solid; + text-align: center; + padding: 1em; + float: left; + margin-left: 0; } + .caption { text-indent: 0; + text-align: center; + margin-bottom: 0em; + font-size: 12pt; } + blockquote { margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + margin-top: 0;} + --> + </style> +</head> + +<body> + +<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Bambi, by Marjorie Benton Cooke</p> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Bambi</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Marjorie Benton Cooke</div> +<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: February 20, 2004 [eBook #11197]<br /> +[Most recently updated: November 21, 2022]</p> +<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> + <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Juliet Sutherland, Susan Woodring and PG Distributed +Proofreaders</p> +<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAMBI ***</div> + + <div class="figure" + style="width: 421px;"> + <img src="illustrations/Fig01.jpg" + height="600" + width="373" + alt=""> + </div><br> + + + <h1>BAMBI</h1> + + <h2>by Marjorie Benton Cooke</h2> + + <h2>Illustrated by Mary Greene Blumenschein</h2> + <hr style="width: 25%;"> + + <h3>Originally Published in 1914</h3> + <hr style="width: 35%;"> + <br> + <br> + + <h3>DEDICATION</h3> + + <h4>TO BAMBI</h4> + + <h4>With thanks to her for being Herself!</h4> + + <h4>M.B.C.</h4><br> + <hr class="chapter"> + <br> + <br> + + <h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2><br> + + + <p><a href="#Fig01">She saw Jarvis before the curtain, making a + first-night speech.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#Fig02">Bambi fluttered the joy-bringing letter + above her head and circled the breakfast-room in a whirl of + happiness.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#Fig03">"Good evening, Mrs. New York, and all you + people out there! We're here, Jarvis and I."</a></p> + + <p><a href="#Fig04">"Well, believe me, that high-brow stuff is + on the toboggan."</a></p> + + <p><a href="#Fig05">"Tell your husband to put you in a play, + and I'll put it on." "Much obliged, I'll tell him. Good + morning."</a></p> + + <p><a href="#Fig06">Her tale had the place of honour and was + illustrated by James Montgomery Flagg, the supreme desire of + every young writer.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#Fig07">"Softlings! Poor softlings!" Jarvis + muttered, Bambi's words coming back to him.</a></p> + + <p><a href="#Fig08">"I have got to do something violent, + Ardelia. I am going to jerk the stems off of berries, chop the + pits out of cherries, and skin peaches."</a></p> + + <p><a href="#Fig09">He taught himself to abandon his old + introspective habits during these days on the box.</a></p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h1>BAMBI</h1> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>I</h2> + + <p>"Professor James Parkhurst, I consider you a colossal + failure as an educator," said Francesca, his daughter, known to + friend and family as Bambina, or Bambi for short.</p> + + <p>Professor Parkhurst lifted a startled face from his + newspaper and surveyed his only child across the breakfast + table.</p> + + <p>"My dear, what causes this sweeping assertion of my + incompetence?"</p> + + <p>"I do! I do! Just what did you expect me to do when I grew + up?"</p> + + <p>"Why, to be happy."</p> + + <p>"That's the profession you intended me for? Who's to pay the + piper? It's expensive to be happy and also unlucrative."</p> + + <p>"I have always expected to support you until your husband + claimed that privilege."</p> + + <p>"Suppose I want a husband who can't support me?"</p> + + <p>"Dear me, that would be unfortunate. It is the first duty of + a husband to support his wife."</p> + + <p>"Old-fashioned husbands, yes—but not modern ones. Lots + of men marry to be supported nowadays. How on earth could I + support the man I love?"</p> + + <p>"You are not without talents, my dear."</p> + + <p>"Talents? You almost said accomplishments! If you were not + living in the Pliocene age, Professor James Parkhurst, you + would know that accomplishments are a + curse—accomplishment is the only thing that counts. I can + sing a little, play the piano a little, auction bridge a good + deal; I can cook, and sew fancy things. The only thing I can do + well is to dance, and no real man wants to be supported by his + wife's toes."</p> + + <p>The Professor smiled mirthlessly. "Is this a general + discussion, or are you leading to a specific point, Bambi?" he + inquired.</p> + + <p>"It's a specific charge of incompetence against you and me. + Why didn't you teach me something? You know more about + mathematics than the man who invented them, and I am not even + sure that two and two make four."</p> + + <p>"You're young yet, my dear; you can learn. What is it you + want to study?"</p> + + <p>"Success, and how to get it."</p> + + <p>"Success, in the general sense of the word, has never seemed + very important to me. To do your work well——"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I know. It is the fact that you have not thought + success important that hampers me so in the choice of a + husband."</p> + + <p>"Bambina, that is the second time a husband has been + mentioned in this discussion. Have you some individual under + consideration?"</p> + + <p>"I have. I have practically decided on him."</p> + + <p>"You don't tell me! Do I know the young man?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes—Jarvis Jocelyn."</p> + + <p>"He has proposed to you?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. He doesn't know anything about it. I have just + decided on him."</p> + + <p>"But, my dear, he is penniless."</p> + + <p>"That's why I reproach you that you haven't brought me up to + support Jarvis in a luxury he will have to get used to."</p> + + <p>"But why have you settled on this youth? I seem to recall a + great many young men who are always about. I presume they + admire you. Certainly this dreamer is the most ineligible of + them all."</p> + + <p>"Oh, that—yes. That's why I must take him. He'll + starve to death unless some one takes him on, and looks after + him."</p> + + <p>"Isn't there some asylum, perhaps?"</p> + + <p>Bambi's laugh rang out like a chime.</p> + + <p>"A home for geniuses. There's an idea! No, Professor + Parkhurst, Society does not yet provide for that particular + brand of incompetents."</p> + + <p>"It seems as if you were going rather far in your quixotism + to marry him."</p> + + <p>Again the girl laughed.</p> + + <p>"I total him up like this: fine family, good blood, decent + habits, handsome, healthy, poetic. He might even be + affectionate. His one fault is that he is not adjusted to + modern commercial standards. He cannot make money, or he will + not—it comes to the same thing."</p> + + <p>"I am unable to see why you are elected to take care of him. + He must fit his time, or perish. You don't happen to be in love + with him, do you?"</p> + + <p>"No, I—I think not. He interests me more than anybody. + I suppose I am fond of him rather."</p> + + <p>"Have you any reason for thinking him in love with you?"</p> + + <p>"Mercy, no! He hardly knows I'm alive. He uses me for a + conversational blotting-pad. That's my only use in his + eyes."</p> + + <p>"He's so very impractical."</p> + + <p>"I am used to impractical men. I have taken care of you + since I was five years old."</p> + + <p>"Yes, my dear. But I am not trying to feed the world bread + when it demands cheese."</p> + + <p>"No, you are distinctly practical. You are only trying to + prove a fourth dimension, when three have sufficed the world up + to date."</p> + + <p>"Yes, but——"</p> + + <p>"No buts. If it had not been for me you would have gone + naked and been arrested, or have forgotten to eat and starved + to death."</p> + + <p>"Now, my dear Bambi, I protest——"</p> + + <p>"It will do you no good. Don't I remember how you started + off to meet your nine o'clock class clad in your pyjamas?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, my child!"</p> + + <p>"Don't talk to me about impracticality. It's my + birthright."</p> + + <p>"Well, I can prove to you——"</p> + + <p>"I never believe anything you have to prove. If I can't see + it, first thing, without any process, it isn't true."</p> + + <p>"But if you represent yourself as Y, and Jarvis as X, an + unknown quantity——"</p> + + <p>"Professor Parkhurst, stop there! There's nothing so + unreliable as figures, and everybody but a mathematician knows + that. Figures lie right to your face."</p> + + <p>"Bambina, if you could coin your conversation——" + Professor Parkhurst began.</p> + + <p>"I am sorry to find you unreasonable about Jarvis, + Professor."</p> + + <p>He gazed at her, in his absent-minded, startled way. He had + never understood her since she was first put into his hands, + aged six months, a fluffy bundle of motherless babyhood. She + never ceased to startle him. She was an enigma beyond any + puzzle in mathematics he had ever brought his mind to bear + upon.</p> + + <p>"How old are you, Bambina?"</p> + + <p>"Shame on you, and you a mathematician. If James is + forty-five, and Bambina is two thirds of half his age, how old + is Bambi? I'm nineteen."</p> + + <p>His startled gaze deepened.</p> + + <p>"Oh, you cannot be!" he objected.</p> + + <p>"There you are. I told you figures lie. It says so in the + family Bible, but maybe I'm only two."</p> + + <p>"Nineteen years old! Dearie me!"</p> + + <p>"You see I'm quite old enough to know my own mind. Have you + a nine o'clock class this morning?"</p> + + <p>"I have."</p> + + <p>"Well, hasten, Professor, or you'll get a tardy mark. It's + ten minutes of nine now."</p> + + <p>He jumped up from his chair and started for the door.</p> + + <p>"Don't you want this notebook?" she called, taking up the + pad beside his plate.</p> + + <p>"Yes, oh, yes, those are my notes. Where have I laid my + glasses? Quick, my dear! I must not be late."</p> + + <p>"On your head," said she.</p> + + <p>She followed him to the hall, reminded him of his hat, his + umbrella, restored the notebook, and finally saw him off, his + thin back, with its scholarly stoop, disappearing down the + street.</p> + + <p>Bambina went back to the breakfast table, and took up the + paper. She read all the want "ads" headed "female."</p> + + <p>"Nothing promising here," she said. "I wonder if I could + bring myself to teach little kids one, two, and one, two, + three, in a select dancing class? I'd loathe it."</p> + + <p>A ponderous black woman appeared in the door and filled + it.</p> + + <p>"Is you froo?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, go ahead, Ardelia."</p> + + <p>"Hab the Perfessor gone already?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, he's gone."</p> + + <p>"Well, he suttinly did tell me to remin' him of suthin' this + mohnin', and I cain't des perzactly bemember what it was."</p> + + <p>"Was it important?"</p> + + <p>"Yassum. Seemed lak I bemember he tell me it was + impo'tant."</p> + + <p>"Serves him right for not telling me."</p> + + <p>"It suttinly am queer the way he can't bemember. Seem lak + his haid so full of figgers, or what you call them, ain' no + room for nuthin' else."</p> + + <p>"You and father get zero in memory—that's sure."</p> + + <p>"I ain't got no trubble dat way, Miss Bambi. I bemember + everything, 'cepting wot you tell me to bemember."</p> + + <p>The dining-room door flew open at this point, and a handsome + youth, with his hair upstanding, and his clothes in a wrinkle, + appeared on the threshold. Bambi rose and started for him.</p> + + <p>"Jarvis!" she exclaimed. "What has happened? Where have you + been?"</p> + + <p>"Sleeping in the garden."</p> + + <p>"Dat's it—dat's it! Dat was wat I was to remin' the + Perfessor of, dat a man was sleepin' in the garden."</p> + + <p>"Sleeping in our garden? But why?"</p> + + <p>"Because of the filthy commercialism of this age! Here I am, + at the climax of my big play, a revolutionary play, I tell you, + teeming with new and vital ideas, for a people on the + down-slide, and a landlady, a puny, insignificant ant of a + female, interrupts me to demand money, and when I assure her, + most politely, that I have none, she puts me out, actually puts + me out!"</p> + + <p>Bambi choked back a laugh.</p> + + <p>"Why didn't you come here?"</p> + + <p>"I did. Your father refused to see me; he was working at his + crazy figures. I burst in, and demanded you, but he couldn't + remember where you had gone."</p> + + <p>"What a pity! Well——"</p> + + <p>"I told him I would wait in the garden. If necessary, I + would sleep there."</p> + + <p>"Yas'm, yas'm, dat's when he called me in, to tell me to + bemin' him."</p> + + <p>"That will do, Ardelia."</p> + + <p>"Yassum," said the handmaiden, and withdrew.</p> + + <p>"Now, go on."</p> + + <p>"I was full of my big act, so I walked and walked for hours. + Then I lay down in the summer-house, and I must have gone to + sleep."</p> + + <p>"Go up and take a bath, and come down to some breakfast. I + will send Ardelia to get some of father's things for you if you + need them."</p> + + <p>"All right, but don't delay with breakfast. If I don't get + this act down, I may lose it. That fiend, in female guise, held + my paper."</p> + + <p>"Go on! Get ready!"</p> + + <p>He plunged out, and Bambi went to send Ardelia to him, while + she cooked his eggs and fried his bacon. As she worked, she + smiled, out of sheer amusement.</p> + + <p>In due course of time, he appeared, freshened up, and with + renewed eagerness to be at work. He scarcely noticed Bambina as + she served his breakfast. He ate as if he were starved.</p> + + <p>"I suppose the landlady held your clothes?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know. I didn't ask. It was unimportant."</p> + + <p>"How much do you owe her?"</p> + + <p>He looked at her in surprise.</p> + + <p>"I have no idea."</p> + + <p>"Have you any money at all?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly not. I'd have given it to her if I had, so she + wouldn't interrupt me."</p> + + <p>"What are you going to do?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I don't know. I can't think about it now. I am full of + this big idea. It's a dramatization of the Brotherhood of Man, + of a sublime, socialistic world——"</p> + + <p>"Has it occurred to you, ever, Jarvis, that the world isn't + ready for the Brotherhood of Man yet? It's just out of the tent + stage, where War is the whole duty of Man."</p> + + <p>"But it must be ready," he urged, seriously, "for I am here + with my message."</p> + + <p>She smiled at him as one would at a conceited child.</p> + + <p>"Poor old Jarvis, strayed out of Elysian fields! Were you + thinking of sleeping in the summer-house permanently?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, it doesn't matter; only the play matters. Give me some + paper, Bambi, and let me get to work."</p> + + <p>She rose and went to stand before him.</p> + + <p>"Would you mind looking at me?"</p> + + <p>He turned his eyes on her.</p> + + <p>"Not just your eyes, Jarvis. Look at me with your mind."</p> + + <p>"What's the matter with you?" he asked, slightly + irritated.</p> + + <p>"Do you like my looks?"</p> + + <p>"I've never noticed them."</p> + + <p>"That's what I'm asking you to do. Look me over."</p> + + <p>He stared at her.</p> + + <p>"Yes, you're pretty—you're very pretty. Some people + might call you beautiful."</p> + + <p>"Don't overdo it, Jarvis! Have you ever noticed my + disposition?"</p> + + <p>"No—yes. Well, I know you're patient, and you must be + good-natured."</p> + + <p>"I am. I am also healthy and cheerful."</p> + + <p>"I don't doubt it. Where is the paper?"</p> + + <p>She put her hands on his shoulders and shook him gently.</p> + + <p>"Jarvis, I want you to give me your full attention for five + minutes."</p> + + <p>"What ails you to-day, Bambi?"</p> + + <p>"The only thing I lack is a useful education, so that I am + not sure I can make a very big living just at first, unless I + dance on the stage."</p> + + <p>"What are you driving at?"</p> + + <p>"Would you have any special objection to marrying me, + Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"Marrying you? Are you crazy?"</p> + + <p>"Obviously. Have you?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly I won't marry you. I am too busy. You disappoint + me, Bambi; you do, indeed. I always thought you were such a + sensible girl——"</p> + + <p>"Father can help out a little, at first, but I may as well + tell you, he doesn't approve of you as a son-in-law."</p> + + <p>"I don't approve of him, impractical dreamer! Where is that + paper?"</p> + + <p>"You've got to be taken care of until you get an awful + tumble. Then you will wake up and do big things, but in the + meantime you must eat."</p> + + <p>"You talk nonsense, and you're interrupting me. If I don't + get at that scene——"</p> + + <p>"Will you marry me? I can't take care of you if you don't, + because the neighbours will talk."</p> + + <p>"I won't marry you. I don't love you."</p> + + <p>"No more do I love you. That's got nothing to do with it. + Here's one of father's empty notebooks. Say yes, and you can + have it."</p> + + <p>His eyes fairly glistened as they fell on the book.</p> + + <p>"For heaven's sake, don't torture me. Give me the book and + have it your own way, whatever it is you want."</p> + + <p>She laughed, gave him the book, and he was at the table + instantly, sweeping back the dishes with a ruthless hand.</p> + + <p>"No, no, into the study you go, while I make a descent on + your landlady, rescue your clothes, and get the license and the + minister, my liege lord."</p> + + <p>She settled him at his desk, where he was immediately lost + to his surroundings.</p> + + <p>Bambi slipped out noiselessly, dressed for the street, + humming a little song, and presently departed.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, his first recitations being over, the Professor + returned for two hours' research in his study, to find Jarvis + ensconced there, oblivious to the outside world. "Go away, go + away!" he shouted to Professor Parkhurst.</p> + + <p>"I'll trouble you to get out of my study," said the + Professor.</p> + + <p>"You'll get your filthy money in due time, my good woman, so + go away!" cried Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"Whom are you addressing? Good woman, indeed!"</p> + + <p>At this moment Bambi returned, and sensed the situation.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I didn't expect you back, Father Professor. This is + Jarvis. You see he's come. He has no objection at all to my + marrying him, so I got a minister."</p> + + <p>"A minister? You got him?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, you see Jarvis is busy. There is no need of our + waiting, so we are going to be married in half an hour or + so."</p> + + <p>"To-day? Here?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, right here, as soon as Jarvis finishes this + scene."</p> + + <p>"Is he going to occupy my library permanently?" wailed the + Professor.</p> + + <p>"No, no. I'll fix him a place on the top floor."</p> + + <p>"He's not at all my choice," said Professor Parkhurst + firmly, gazing at the unconscious Jocelyn. "You can see by the + way he tosses paper about that he is neither methodical nor + orderly."</p> + + <p>"Those are husband traits that I can do without, thank + you."</p> + + <p>Ardelia appeared.</p> + + <p>" 'Scuse me, but yo' all expectin' the preacher up here? He + say Miss Bambi tol' him to cum here at eleben o'clock."</p> + + <p>"Yes, show him right in here."</p> + + <p>"Yassum."</p> + + <p>Ardelia reappeared with the Reverend Dr. Short at her heels. + Bambi greeted him, and Professor Parkhurst shook hands + absently. Bambi went to lean over Jarvis. He suddenly threw + down his pen, stretched himself, and groaned.</p> + + <p>"Now, if I can just get the last act + outlined——"</p> + + <p>"Jarvis, just a minute, please."</p> + + <p>He suddenly looked at her, and at the other two.</p> + + <p>"This is Reverend Dr. Short, Mr. Jarvis Jocelyn."</p> + + <p>"I have nothing to say to orthodoxy," Jarvis began, but + Bambi interrupted him.</p> + + <p>"Doctor Short has come to marry us. Stand up here for a few + moments, and then you can go on with your third act."</p> + + <p>She laid her hand on his arm, and drew him to his feet.</p> + + <p>"The shortest possible service, please, Doctor Short. Jarvis + is so busy to-day."</p> + + <p>Doctor Short looked from the strange pair to Professor + Parkhurst, who looked back at him.</p> + + <p>"You are sure this is all right?" he questioned.</p> + + <p>"Do tell him to be quick, Bambi. If it's about that landlady + I cannot——"</p> + + <p>" 'Sh! Go ahead, Doctor Short."</p> + + <p>Doctor Short read the service, and between the three of them + they induced Jarvis to make the proper responses. He seemed + utterly unaware of what was going on about him, and at the end + of a brief service, when Bambi's hand was taken from his arm, + he sat down to work at once. Bambi led the other two men from + the room.</p> + + <p>"He acted as if he were drunk, or drugged, but he isn't. + He's just full of an idea," she smilingly explained.</p> + + <p>"Have you known this young man long?" Doctor Short asked the + Professor.</p> + + <p>"Have we, my dear?"</p> + + <p>"We have known him fifteen years," she answered.</p> + + <p>"Well, of course that makes a difference," murmured the + reverend gentleman. "I wish you every happiness, Mrs. Jocelyn," + he added, and took his departure.</p> + + <p>"How soon can you get him out of my study?" asked the + Professor, looking at his watch. "I have only one hour left + before lunch."</p> + + <p>"Felicitate me, Professor, felicitate me on my + marriage."</p> + + <p>"I hope you will be happy, my dear, but I doubt it. His lack + of consideration in taking my study——"</p> + + <p>Bambina looked at him, and began to laugh. Peal followed + peal of laughter until tears stood in her eyes.</p> + + <p>"I'll go rescue the study, Herr Professor. Oh, this is too + rich! Bernard Shaw ought to know about me," she laughed, as she + tripped upstairs.</p> + + <p>So it was that Bambina acquired a husband.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>II</h2> + + <p>Two days later Jarvis, shaved, properly dressed, and + apparently sane, appeared on the piazza, where Bambi and the + Professor were at lunch. He hesitated on the threshold until + they both turned toward him.</p> + + <p>"Good morning," he ventured.</p> + + <p>"Good morning, Jarvis," said Bambi gayly.</p> + + <p>"Morning," tersely, from the head of the house.</p> + + <p>"Might I ask how long I have been sojourning on the top + floor of this house, and how I got there?"</p> + + <p>"Do you mean to say you don't know?"</p> + + <p>"Haven't an idea. I have a faint recollection of a big + disturbance, and then peace, heavenly peace, with black coffee + every once in a while, and big ideas flowing like Niagara."</p> + + <p>Bambina's eyes shone at him, but her father looked + troubled.</p> + + <p>"You know what the big disturbance was, don't you?" he + asked.</p> + + <p>"It seems to me I wanted paper—that somebody was + taking my things away——"</p> + + <p>"You'd better tell him, Francesca; he doesn't remember, so I + don't think it can be legal."</p> + + <p>Jarvis looked from one to the other.</p> + + <p>"What's all this? I don't seem to get you."</p> + + <p>Bambi's laugh bubbled over.</p> + + <p>"You get me, all right."</p> + + <p>"For goodness' sake, talk sense."</p> + + <p>"You came here, three days ago, in a trance, and announced + that you had been bounced from the boarding-house, and that you + needed paper to blot up the big ideas—the Niagara + ideas——"</p> + + <p>"Did I?"</p> + + <p>"So I took you in, redeemed your clothes for + you——"</p> + + <p>"It was you who planted me upstairs in that heavenly quiet + place, and brought black coffee?"</p> + + <p>She nodded.</p> + + <p>"God bless you for it."</p> + + <p>"I did something else, too."</p> + + <p>"Did you? What?"</p> + + <p>"I married you."</p> + + <p>He looked at her, dazed, and then at the Professor.</p> + + <p>"What's the joke?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"There is no joke," said the Professor sternly. "She did it. + I tried to stop her, but she never listens to me."</p> + + <p>"Do you mean, Bambi——" he began.</p> + + <p>"I mean you told me to go ahead, so I got a license and a + minister, and married you."</p> + + <p>"But where was I when you did it?"</p> + + <p>"You were there, I thought, but it didn't seem to take. + Can't you remember anything at all about it, Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"Not a thing. Word of honour! How long have we been + married?"</p> + + <p>"Three days. You couldn't come out of the play, so I dragged + you upstairs, fed you at stated periods, and let you + alone."</p> + + <p>He looked at her as if for the first time.</p> + + <p>"Why, Bambi," he said, "you are a wonderful person."</p> + + <p>"I have known it all along," she replied, sweetly.</p> + + <p>"But why, in God's name, did you do it?"</p> + + <p>"That's what I say," interpolated the Professor.</p> + + <p>"Oh, it just came to me when I saw you needed looking + after——"</p> + + <p>"Don't you believe it. She intended to do it all along," + said her father, grimly. "I tried to dissuade her. I told her + you were a dreamer, penniless, and always would be, but she + wouldn't listen to my practical talk."</p> + + <p>"I seem to get a pretty definite idea of your opinion of me, + sir. Why didn't you wake me up, so I could prevent this + catastrophe?"</p> + + <p>"I supposed you were awake. I didn't know you worked in a + cataleptic fit."</p> + + <p>"Catastrophe!" echoed Bambina.</p> + + <p>"Certainly. Why don't you look at it in a practical way, as + your father says? I never had any money. I probably never will. + I hate the stuff. It's the curse of the age."</p> + + <p>"I know all that."</p> + + <p>"You will be wanting food and clothes no doubt, and you will + expect me to provide them."</p> + + <p>"Oh, never! You don't think I would take such an advantage + of you, Jarvis, as to marry you when you were in a work fit and + then expect you to support me?"</p> + + <p>The Professor shook his head in despair, and arose.</p> + + <p>"It's beyond me, all this modern madness. I wash my hands of + the whole affair."</p> + + <p>"That's right, Professor Parkhurst. I married him, you know; + you didn't."</p> + + <p>"Well, keep him out of my study," he warned.</p> + + <p>Then he gathered up his scattered belongings, and turned his + absent gaze on Bambi.</p> + + <p>"What is it I want? Oh, yes. Call Ardelia."</p> + + <p>Bambi rang, and Ardelia answered the summons.</p> + + <p>"Ardelia, did I ask you to remind me of anything this + morning?"</p> + + <p>She scratched her head in deep thought.</p> + + <p>"No, sah, not's as I recolleck. It was yistiddy you tol' me + to remin' you, and I done forgot what it was."</p> + + <p>"Ardelia, you are not entirely reliable," he remarked, as he + passed her.</p> + + <p>"No, sah. I ain't jes' what you call——" she + muttered, following him out.</p> + + <p>Bambi brought up the rear, chuckling over this daily + controversy, which never failed to amuse her.</p> + + <p>When the front door slammed, she came back to where Jarvis + sat, his untouched luncheon before him. He watched her closely + as she flashed into the room, like some swift, vivid bird + perching opposite him.</p> + + <p>"I spoiled your luncheon," she laughed.</p> + + <p>"Bambi, why did you do this thing?"</p> + + <p>"Good heavens, I don't know. I did it because I'm I, I + suppose."</p> + + <p>"You wanted to marry me?" he persisted.</p> + + <p>"I thought I ought to. Somebody had to look after you, and I + am used to looking after father. I like helpless men."</p> + + <p>"So you were sorry for me? It was pity——"</p> + + <p>"Rubbish. I believe in you. If you have a chance to work out + your salvation you will be a big man. If you are hectored to + death, you will kill yourself, or compromise, and that will be + the end of you."</p> + + <p>"You see that—you understand——"</p> + + <p>He pushed back his chair and came to her.</p> + + <p>"You think that little you can stand between me and these + things that I must compromise with?"</p> + + <p>She nodded at him, brightly. He leaned over, took her two + small hands, and leaned his face against them.</p> + + <p>"Thank you," he said, simply; "but I won't have it."</p> + + <p>"Why not?"</p> + + <p>"Because I am not worth it. You saw me in a work fit. I'm a + devil. I'm like one possessed. I swear and rave if I am + interrupted. I can't eat nor sleep till I get the madness out + of me. I am not human. I am not normal. I am not fit to live + with."</p> + + <p>"Very well, we will build a cage at the top of the house, + and when you feel a fit coming on you can go up there. I'll + slip you food through a wire door so you can't bite me, and + I'll exhibit you for a fee as the wildest genius in + captivity."</p> + + <p>"Bambi, be serious. This is no joke. This is awful!"</p> + + <p>"You consider it awful to be married to me?"</p> + + <p>"I am not thinking of myself. I am thinking of you. You have + got yourself into a pretty mess, and I've got to get you out of + it."</p> + + <p>"How?"</p> + + <p>"I'll divorce you."</p> + + <p>"You've got no grounds. I've been a kind, dutiful wife to + you. I haven't been near you since I married you, except to + give you food."</p> + + <p>"How do you expect we are to live? Nobody wants my + plays."</p> + + <p>"How do you know? You never try to sell them. You told me so + yourself. You feel so superior to managers and audiences that + you never offer them."</p> + + <p>"I know. I occasionally go to the theatre, by mistake, and I + see what they want."</p> + + <p>"That's no criterion. We won't condemn even a Broadway + manager until he proves himself such a dummy as not to want + your plays."</p> + + <p>"Broadway? Think of a play of mine on Broadway! Think of the + fat swine who waddle into those theatres!"</p> + + <p>"My dear, there are men of brains writing for the theatre + to-day who do not scorn those swine."</p> + + <p>"Men of brains? Who, who, I ask you?"</p> + + <p>"Bernard Shaw."</p> + + <p>"Showman, trickster."</p> + + <p>"Barrie."</p> + + <p>"Well, maybe."</p> + + <p>"Pinero?"</p> + + <p>"Pinero knows his trade," he admitted.</p> + + <p>"Galsworthy, Brieux."</p> + + <p>"Galsworthy is a pamphleteer. Brieux is no artist. He is a + surgeon. They have nothing to say to Broadway. Broadway + swallows the pills they offer because of their names, but they + might just as well give them the sugar drip they want, for all + the good it does."</p> + + <p>"Well, they get heard, anyhow. What's the use of writing a + play if it isn't acted? Of course we'll sell your plays."</p> + + <p>"But if we don't, where will you be?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I'll be all right. I mean to support myself, anyhow, + and you, too, if the plays don't go."</p> + + <p>He laughed.</p> + + <p>"You are an amusing mite. Queer I never noticed you + before."</p> + + <p>"You'll like me, if you continue to be aware of me. I'm + nice," she laughed up at him, and he smiled back.</p> + + <p>"How do you intend to make this fortune, may I ask?"</p> + + <p>"I haven't decided yet. Of course I can dance. If worst came + to worst, I can make a big salary dancing."</p> + + <p>"Dancing?" he exploded.</p> + + <p>"Yes, didn't you ever hear of it? With the feet, you know, + and the body, and the eyes, and the arms. So!"</p> + + <p>She twirled about him in a circle, like a gay little + figurine. He watched her, fascinated.</p> + + <p>"You can dance, can't you?"</p> + + <p>"I can. At times I am quite inspired. Now, if you and the + Professor will be sensible, and let me go to New York and take + a job, I could support us all in luxury. You could write and he + could figure."</p> + + <p>"I don't see that it is any business of ours what you do, + but I certainly won't let you support me."</p> + + <p>"Do you really mean it isn't your business?"</p> + + <p>"Why should it be?"</p> + + <p>"Well, if I am your wife, and his daughter, some people + would think that it was distantly related to your + business."</p> + + <p>"Why New York? Why not here?"</p> + + <p>"In this town they think I am crazy now. But if I burst out + as a professional dancer——Wow!"</p> + + <p>"That's so. It's a mean little town, but it's quiet. That's + why I stay. It's quiet."</p> + + <p>"You wouldn't mind my being away, if I went to New York, + would you?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. I'd be busy."</p> + + <p>"That's good. I really think you are almost ideal."</p> + + <p>"Ideal?"</p> + + <p>"As a husband. They are usually so exacting and + interfering."</p> + + <p>"I've not decided yet to be your husband."</p> + + <p>"But you are it."</p> + + <p>"Suppose you should fall in love with somebody else?"</p> + + <p>"I'm much more apt to fall in love with you."</p> + + <p>"Heaven forbid!" he exclaimed, and came to her side quickly. + "Bambi, promise me that no matter what happens you will not do + that. You will not fall in love with me."</p> + + <p>She looked at him a minute, and then laughed + contagiously.</p> + + <p>"I am serious about this. My work is everything to me. + Nothing matters but just that, and it might be a dreadful + interruption if you fell in love with me."</p> + + <p>"I don't see why, unless you fell in love with me."</p> + + <p>"No danger of that," said he, and at her laugh turned to her + again. "If ever you see any signs of my being such a fool as + that, you warn me, will you?"</p> + + <p>"And what will you do then?"</p> + + <p>"I'll run away. I will go to the ends of the earth. That + particular madness is death to creative genius."</p> + + <p>"All right. I'll warn you."</p> + + <p>"I've got to begin to polish my first draft to-day, so I'll + go upstairs and get at it."</p> + + <p>"Will you be gone two days this trip?"</p> + + <p>He turned to smile at her.</p> + + <p>"Some people would think you were eccentric," he said.</p> + + <p>"They might," she responded.</p> + + <p>"I am almost sane when I polish," he laughed. "It's only + when I create that I am crazy."</p> + + <p>"It's all right then, is it? We go on?"</p> + + <p>"Go on?"</p> + + <p>"Being married?"</p> + + <p>"Well, I have no objection, if you insist, but you'd better + think over what I told you. I think you have made a mistake; + and you shall never support me."</p> + + <p>"I never think over my mistakes," said Bambi. "I just live + up to them."</p> + + <p>"I agree with your father that you risk a good deal."</p> + + <p>"Risks are exciting."</p> + + <p>"If you don't like it, you can divorce me the next time I am + in a work fit. I'll never know it, so it will be painless."</p> + + <p>"Jarvis, that's unfair."</p> + + <p>He came back quickly.</p> + + <p>"That was intended for humour," he explained.</p> + + <p>"I so diagnosed it," she flashed back at him.</p> + + <p>He looked down at her diminutive figure with its + well-shaped, patrician head, its sensitive mouth, its wide-set, + shining eyes.</p> + + <p>"Star-shine," he smiled.</p> + + <p>She poked him with a sharp "What?"</p> + + <p>"You don't think I ought to—to—kiss you, + possibly, do you?"</p> + + <p>"Mercy, no!"</p> + + <p>"Good! I was afraid you might expect something of me."</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. Think what you have done for the girl," she quoted, + and he heard her laugh down the hall and out into the garden. + He took a step as if to follow her. Then, with a shake of his + shoulders, he climbed the stairs to his new workshop with a + smile on his lips.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>III</h2> + + <p>The Professor was working in his garden. It was one of his + few relaxations, and he took it as seriously as a problem. He + had great success with flowers, owing to what he called his + system. He was methodical as a machine in everything he did, so + the plants were fed with the regularity of hospital patients, + and flourished accordingly. To-day he was in pursuit of slugs. + He followed up one row, and down the next, slaying with the + ruthlessness of fate.</p> + + <p>The general effect of his garden was rather striking. He + laid out each bed in the shape of an arithmetical figure. The + pansy beds were in figure eights, the nasturtiums were pruned + and ordered into stubby figure ones, while the asters and fall + flowers ranged from fours to twenties.</p> + + <p>The Professor carried his arithmetical sense to extremes. He + insisted that figures had personality, just as people have, and + it was a favourite method of his to nickname his friends and + pupils according to a numeral. He was watching the death-throes + of a slug, with scientific indifference, as his son-in-law + approached him, carrying a wide-brimmed hat.</p> + + <p>"Professor Parkhurst, your daughter desires you to put on + your hat. You forgot it."</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. Thank you!"</p> + + <p>"I should like the opportunity of a few words with you, sir, + if you can spare the time."</p> + + <p>"Well, I cannot. My time is very precious. If you desire to + walk along with me while I destroy these slugs, I will listen + to what you say."</p> + + <p>He pursued his course, and Jarvis, perforce, followed.</p> + + <p>"I have been in your house for a week, now, Professor + Parkhurst, and I have merely encountered you at meals."</p> + + <p>"Often enough," said the Professor, making a sudden turn + that almost upset Jarvis. "I go fifty steps up, and fifty steps + back," he explained, and Jarvis stared at him open-mouthed.</p> + + <p>"You count your steps?" he repeated.</p> + + <p>"Certainly, no matter what I do, I count. When I eat, when I + sleep, walk, talk, think, I always count."</p> + + <p>"How awful! A human metronome. I must make a note of that." + And Jarvis took out a notebook to make an entry.</p> + + <p>"You have the notebook habit?" snorted the Professor.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I can't afford to waste ideas, suggestions, + thoughts."</p> + + <p>"Bah! A most offensive habit."</p> + + <p>"I gather, from your general attitude," Jarvis began again, + "that you dislike me."</p> + + <p>"I neither like nor dislike you. I don't know you."</p> + + <p>"You never will know me, at this rate."</p> + + <p>"I am not sure that I care to."</p> + + <p>"Why not? What have you against me?"</p> + + <p>"You are not practical."</p> + + <p>"Do you consider yourself practical?"</p> + + <p>"I do. I am the acme of practical. I am mathematical."</p> + + <p>He slew another bug.</p> + + <p>"How can you do that?" cried Jarvis, his concern in his + face. "That slug has a right to life. Why don't you get the + point of view of the slug?"</p> + + <p>"He kills my roses," justified the Professor. "He's a + murderer. Society has a right to extinguish him."</p> + + <p>"The old fallacy, a tooth for a tooth?"</p> + + <p>"You'd sacrifice my roses to save this insect?"</p> + + <p>"I'd teach the rose to take care of itself."</p> + + <p>"You're crazy," he snapped, and walked on, Jarvis at his + heels.</p> + + <p>"I didn't come to quarrel with you about our views of + gardening, or of life. I realize that we have no common ground. + You are of the Past, and I am of the Future."</p> + + <p>"There is nobody more modern than I am!" cried the + Professor.</p> + + <p>"Rubbish! No modern wastes his life in rows of inanimate + numerals. We get out and work at humanity and its + problems."</p> + + <p>"What are the problems of humanity?"</p> + + <p>"Food, employment, education, health."</p> + + <p>"All of them mathematical. Economics is mathematical."</p> + + <p>"Well, I wish instead of teaching a few thousand students + higher algebra that you had taught your own daughter a little + common sense."</p> + + <p>"Common sense is not taught. It is a gift of the gods, like + genius," said the Professor.</p> + + <p>Jarvis glanced at him quickly, and took out the + notebook.</p> + + <p>"Put that thing away!" shouted the Professor. "I will not be + annotated."</p> + + <p>Jarvis meekly returned it to his pocket, but as the + Professor right-about faced, he exploded:</p> + + <p>"For heaven's sake, sit down and listen to me! This + mathematical progression makes me crazy."</p> + + <p>"I have just so many rows to do," the Professor replied, as + he marched along. "Do I understand you to criticise my + daughter's education?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know anything about her education. I didn't know + she had one," said Jarvis, "but this whim of hers, in marrying + me, is very trying to me. It is most upsetting."</p> + + <p>"Have it annulled. It can't possibly be legal."</p> + + <p>"She won't hear of it. She desires to be married to me."</p> + + <p>The Professor rose and faced him.</p> + + <p>"Then you may as well resign yourself. I have lived with her + nineteen years and I know."</p> + + <p>"But it is absurd that a child like that should always have + her own way. You have spoiled her."</p> + + <p>Even the Professor's bent back showed pity.</p> + + <p>"You have a great deal to learn, young man."</p> + + <p>"Can't you persuade her to divorce me?"</p> + + <p>"I cannot. I tried to persuade her to do that before she + married you."</p> + + <p>"I suppose you think I ought to make a living for her?"</p> + + <p>"At the risk of being called a back number, I do."</p> + + <p>"Just when I am beginning to count."</p> + + <p>"Count? Count what?"</p> + + <p>"Count as a creative artist."</p> + + <p>"Just what is it you do, Jocelyn?"</p> + + <p>"I try to express the Philosophy of Modernism through the + medium of the Drama."</p> + + <p>"Who buys it?"</p> + + <p>"Nobody."</p> + + <p>"How are you beginning to count, then?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, not in the market-place. In my own soul."</p> + + <p>"Forty-nine, fifty," said the Professor. "Turn here. In your + own soul, you say?" He glanced at the youth beside him. "Bambi + has sold her birthright for a mess of pottage," he + muttered.</p> + + <p>"That's just the question. Whose duty is it to provide the + pottage?"</p> + + <p>"Maybe you think it's mine?"</p> + + <p>"Why shouldn't Science support Art?"</p> + + <p>"Humph! Why not let Bambi support you? She says she wants + to."</p> + + <p>"I am willing she should support herself, but not me."</p> + + <p>"So the only question is, will I support you?"</p> + + <p>"Exactly. With Bambi off your hands, you will have no other + responsibility, and you could not do a bigger thing for the + world than to help me to instruct and inspire it."</p> + + <p>"Aristophanes!" exclaimed the Professor. "You are unique! + You are number twenty-three."</p> + + <p>"Why twenty-three?"</p> + + <p>"Because that is neither much nor little."</p> + + <p>"Your daughter thinks my plays will sell, but I tell you + frankly I doubt it."</p> + + <p>"How can you instruct and inspire if nobody listens?"</p> + + <p>"They must listen in the end, else why am I here?"</p> + + <p>The Professor relinquished his chase, to stare again. "You + are at least sincere in your belief in + yourself—twenty-three. I'd like to hear some of these + great ideas of yours."</p> + + <p>"Very well. I am going to read a play to your daughter this + evening. If you care to come, you may listen. Then you will see + that it would pay you to stake me for a couple of years."</p> + + <p>"I'll come and listen."</p> + + <p>"If you decide to undertake me, I insist that you shall not + continue this scornful avoidance of me. If we three are to live + together, we must live in harmony, which is necessary to my + work."</p> + + <p>"Whose favour is this, yours or mine?"</p> + + <p>"Favour? Good heavens! you don't think it is a favour to + give me food and a roof for two years, do you? I thought it was + an opportunity for you."</p> + + <p>The Professor, not easily moved to mirth, did an imitation + of laughter, holding both his sides. Jarvis turned his + charming, boyish smile upon him, and walked up the path to the + house. Strange what things amused Bambi and her parent!</p> + + <p>That night, after dinner, Bambi arranged the electric + reading light in the screened porch, drew a big chair beside + it, placed the Professor's favourite chaise-lounge near by, and + got him into it. Then she went in search of her performer. She + looked all over the house for him, to finally discover him on + the top floor in hiding.</p> + + <p>"Come on! I've got everything all ready, even the + Professor."</p> + + <p>"I am terrified," Jarvis admitted. "Suppose you should not + understand what I have written? Suppose you thought it was all + rubbish?"</p> + + <p>"If I think so, I will say so. Isn't that the idea? You are + trying it on the dog to see if it goes?"</p> + + <p>"If you think it is rubbish, don't say anything."</p> + + <p>"How silly! If you are spending your time on trash, you + ought to know it, and get over it, and begin to write + sense."</p> + + <p>"I feel like one of the Professor's slugs," he muttered.</p> + + <p>"Better try us on the simplest one."</p> + + <p>"Well, I will read you 'Success.' "</p> + + <p>She ran downstairs, and he followed, to the piazza.</p> + + <p>There was no sign of the Professor.</p> + + <p>"Ardelia," called Bambi, "where is the Professor?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know, ma'am. I seen him headed for the garden."</p> + + <p>"Professor Parkhurst, come in here!" Bambi called. "We are + to hear Jarvis's play."</p> + + <p>"Oh, that is it. I couldn't remember why I was placed in + that chair, and Ardelia couldn't remember. So it occurred to me + that I had forgotten my trowel," he said. He put the trowel, + absent-mindedly, in the tea basket, and took the seat arranged + for Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"Here, you sit in your regular seat," Bambi objected, + hauling him up.</p> + + <p>"That isn't wise, my dear. I am sure to go to sleep."</p> + + <p>"We'll see that you don't," she laughed.</p> + + <p>"I've never heard a play read aloud that I can remember," + said the Professor.</p> + + <p>"You will probably be very irritating, then. Don't interrupt + me. If you fumble things, or make a noise, I'll stop."</p> + + <p>"That knowledge helps some," retorted the Professor, with a + twinkle. "If I can't stand it, I'll whistle."</p> + + <p>"Be quiet," said his daughter. "Go ahead, Jarvis."</p> + + <p>"What is this play supposed to be about?" Professor + Parkhurst inquired.</p> + + <p>"The title is 'Success.' It is about a woman who sold + herself for success, and paid with her soul."</p> + + <p>"Is it a comedy?"</p> + + <p>"Good Lord, no! I don't try to make people laugh. I make + them think."</p> + + <p>"Go ahead."</p> + + <p>"Don't interrupt again, father."</p> + + <p>Jarvis began to read, nervously at first, then with greater + confidence. He read intelligently, but without dramatic value, + and Bambi longed to seize the manuscript and do it herself. + Once, during the first act, the Professor cleared his + throat.</p> + + <p>"Don't do that!" said Jarvis, without pausing for the + Professor's hasty apology.</p> + + <p>The play told the story of a woman whose God was Success. + She sacrificed everything to him. First her mother and father + were offered up, that she might have a career. Then her lover. + She married a man she did not love, that she might mount one + step higher, and finally she sacrificed her child to her + devouring ambition. When she reached the goal she had visioned + from the first, she was no longer a human being, with powers of + enjoyment or suffering. She was, instead, a monster, incapable + of appreciating what she had won, and in despair she killed + herself.</p> + + <p>There were big scenes, some bold, telling strokes, in + Jarvis's handling of his theme. Again, it was utterly lacking + in drama. The author stopped the action and took to the + pulpit.</p> + + <p>At the end of the first act he stopped and looked at the + faces of his audience. The Professor was awake and deeply + puzzled. This strange young man was holding up to his view a + perfectly strange anomaly which he called a woman. The + Professor had never dreamed of such a hybrid. He couldn't grasp + it. He gasped at Jarvis's audacity.</p> + + <p>Bambi sat curled up in the end of a wicker couch, her feet + drawn under her, like a Chinese idol, every nerve attuned to + attention. He noticed how, without words, she seemed to emanate + responsiveness and understanding.</p> + + <p>"Well?" he said.</p> + + <p>"Let's wait until you have finished to discuss it," she + said.</p> + + <p>"Is it any good?"</p> + + <p>"In spots it's great. In other spots it is incredibly + rotten."</p> + + <p>"My child," protested the Professor.</p> + + <p>"Go on!" she ordered.</p> + + <p>The second act began well, mounted halfway to its climax, + and fell flat. Some of the lines, embodying the new + individualistic philosophy of woman, roused the Professor to + protest.</p> + + <p>"Rubbish, sir!" he cried. "Impossible rubbish! No woman ever + thought such things."</p> + + <p>"Take your nose out of your calculus, and look about you, + Professor," retorted Jarvis. "You haven't looked around since + the stone age."</p> + + <p>Bambi gurgled with laughter, then looked serious.</p> + + <p>"He's fallen on an idea just the same, Jarvis. Your woman + isn't convincing."</p> + + <p>"But she's true," he protested.</p> + + <p>"We don't care a fig whether she's true, unless she's true + to us," she answered him. "Go on with your last act."</p> + + <p>"You don't like it—what's the use?"</p> + + <p>"Don't be silly. I am deeply interested. Go on!"</p> + + <p>He began a little hopelessly, feeling the atmosphere, by + that subtle sense that makes the creative artist like a + sensitive plant where his work is at stake. The third act + failed to ascend, or to resolve the situation. He merely + carried it as far as it interested him, and then dropped it. As + he closed the manuscript Bambi reached out her hand for it.</p> + + <p>"Give it to me, in my hand!" she ordered. He obeyed, + questioningly.</p> + + <p>"I feel as if it was such a big thing, mangled and bleeding. + I want to hold it and help it."</p> + + <p>"Mangled?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Don't you feel it? She isn't a woman! She's a monster. + You don't believe her. You won't believe her, because you hate + her."</p> + + <p>"But she's true. She lives to-day. She is the woman of now," + he repeated.</p> + + <p>"No, no, no! Woman may approximate this, but she doesn't + reason it out. Let her be fine, and big, and righteously + ambitious. Make us sympathize with her."</p> + + <p>"But I am preaching against her."</p> + + <p>"All the better. Make her a tragedy. Show the futility of it + all. She didn't kill herself. You killed her."</p> + + <p>"Do you write plays?" he asked her.</p> + + <p>"No, but I feel drama. This is big, but it is all man + psychology. You don't know your woman."</p> + + <p>"I should hope not," said the Professor. "You needn't tell + me there are such women in the world. She is worse than + Lucretia Borgia."</p> + + <p>"Of course she is in the world, Father Professor. You + haven't looked at a woman since mother died, nineteen years + ago, so you are not strictly up-to-date."</p> + + <p>"I have hundreds of young women in my classes."</p> + + <p>"Learning Euclid," interpolated Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"Well, Euclid is more desirable than what your heroine + learned and taught."</p> + + <p>"Not at all. She learned life."</p> + + <p>The Professor turned to Bambi.</p> + + <p>"Have you any ideas in common with this person, my + dear?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes, some. All of us are freebooters in this + generation."</p> + + <p>"Why have you never spoken to me of them?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, Professor, I never bother you with ideas. Jarvis, I + think if you do it over, you could sell it."</p> + + <p>"I hate doing things over—the spontaneity all + gone."</p> + + <p>"Well, you've got to do it over, that's all. You've murdered + that woman, and it is wicked. She must be resuscitated and + given another chance."</p> + + <p>"Will you help me?"</p> + + <p>She looked at him with a quick flash of pleasure.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I would so love to. I can't help you build it, but I + can tell you what I feel is wrong."</p> + + <p>"We will begin to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"Are all your works as extreme as this?" queried the + Professor.</p> + + <p>"They are all cross-sections of life, which is extreme," + replied Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"You young people read riddles into life. It is as simple as + two plus two is four."</p> + + <p>"There you are—two plus two does not necessarily make + four. It makes five or forty. It depends on the symbols. + Nothing in the world is exact, or final. Everything is + changeable, fluidic. That's the whole fabric of modern + thought."</p> + + <p>The Professor's horrified glance was turned upon them.</p> + + <p>"Oh, dear, oh, dear, there you go, upsetting everything. You + are a pair of maniacs, both of you. You ought to be shut away + from people, with your wild ideas."</p> + + <p>He rushed out into his garden, sure of its calm, its + mathematical exactness. He was really disturbed by the + ultra-modern theories these ardent young iconoclasts forced him + to consider.</p> + + <p>"Poor Father Professor," laughed Bambi, at his retreat.</p> + + <p>"Why do you let him stay back there in the Middle Ages?"</p> + + <p>"He's happier there. It's peaceful. Modern times distress + him so when he remembers them."</p> + + <p>"I suppose you are not an average family, are you?" he + asked.</p> + + <p>"I suppose not," she admitted.</p> + + <p>"You are irritating, but interesting."</p> + + <p>"I warn you to let father alone. He's too old to be hauled + up-to-date. Just consider him an interesting survival and let + him be."</p> + + <p>"I'll let him be. I'll put him in a play. He's good + copy."</p> + + <p>"He'll never know himself, so it won't matter."</p> + + <p>They talked late about Jarvis's work, his methods of + writing, the length of time it took him to conceive and work + out a play. It all fascinated Bambi. She felt that a wonderful + interest had come into her life. A new thing was to be created, + each day, under her roof, near her. She was to have part in it, + help in its shaping to perfection. She gloated over the days to + come, and a warm rush of gratitude to Jarvis for bringing her + this sense of his need of her made her burst out:</p> + + <p>"Oh, life is such fun!"</p> + + <p>He looked at her closely.</p> + + <p>"You are a queer little mite," said he.</p> + + <p>"The mite is mightier than the sword," she laughed, starting + for the garden. "You go to bed, so you can get an early start + on that play. I'll round up the Professor. He's forgotten to + bring himself in."</p> + + <p>He obeyed without objection. He felt, all at once, like a + ship at anchor after long years of floating aimlessly, but, + manlike, he took his good fortune as his just right, and it + never occurred to him to thank Bambi for his new sense of peace + and well-being.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>IV</h2> + + <p>The marriage of Jarvis and Bambi furnished the town with a + ten days' topic of conversation, a fact to which they were + perfectly indifferent. Then it was accepted, as any other + wonder, such as a comet passing, or an airship disaster.</p> + + <p>In the meantime the strangely assorted trio fell into a more + or less comfortable relationship. Jarvis and the Professor + almost came to blows, but for the most part the diplomatic + Bambi kept peace. Both men appealed to her for everything and + she took care of them like babies. She called them the + "Heavenly Twins" and found endless amusement in their + dependence on her. Sometimes she did not see Jarvis for days. + His study and bedroom were on the top floor, and when he was in + a work fit he forgot to come to meals. She let him alone, only + seeing that he ate what she sent up to him. Sometimes his light + burned all night. She would go to the foot of the stairs and + listen to him reading scenes aloud in the early dawn, but she + never interfered with him in any way. He plunged into the + remaking of "Success" with characteristic abandon. He destroyed + the old version entirely, and began on a new one. When he had + the framework completed, he summoned Bambi for a private view. + She condemned certain parts, praised others, flashed new + thoughts upon him, forced him to new viewpoints. He raved at + her, defended his ideas, refuted her arguments, and invariably + accepted every contribution. When he came to an impasse, he + howled through the house for her, like a lost child wailing for + its mother.</p> + + <p>These daily councils of war, his incessant need of her, + interfered with her plan of a career as a danseuse. She found + that her days were resolving themselves into two + portions—times when Jarvis needed her, and times when he + did not. The hours they devoted together to his work + constituted the core of her day, her happy time. She considered + Jarvis as impersonally as she did the typewriter. It was the + sense of being needed, of helping in his work, that filled her + with such new zest. But the hours hung heavy between the + third-floor summons, and one day, as she lay in the hammock, a + book in her hand, it came to her that she might try it herself. + She might put down her thoughts, her dreams, her ambitions, and + make a story of them. Thought and action were one with Bambi. + In five minutes' time she had pencil and paper, and had set + forth on her new adventure.</p> + + <p>For the next few days she was so absorbed in her experiment + that she almost neglected the "Heavenly Twins." The Professor + commented on her abstraction, and Ardelia complained that + "everybody in dis heah house is crazy, all of them studyin' and + writin'; yo' cain't even sing a hallelujah but somebody is a + shoutin', 'Sh!' "</p> + + <p>Only Jarvis failed to note any change. It was too much to + expect that the great Jocelyn could concentrate on any but his + own mental attitudes.</p> + + <p>Like most facile people, Bambi was bored with her + masterpiece at the end of a week, and abandoned it without a + sigh. She decided that literature was not to be enriched by + her. In fact, she never gave a thought to her first-born child + until a month after its birth, when a New York magazine fell + into her hands offering a prize of $500 for a short story. She + took out her manuscript and read it over with a sense of + surprise. She marched off to a stenographer, had it typed, and + sent it to the contest, using a pen name as a signature, and + then she promptly forgot about it.</p> + + <p>Six weeks more of hard labour brought "Success" almost to + completion. Bambi was absorbed in the play. It was undoubtedly + much better; her hopes were high that it would get a + production. If only Jarvis could get to New York with it and + show it to the managers; but that meant money, and they had + none. Her busy brain spent hours scheming, but no light + came.</p> + + <p>Then out of the blue fell a shining bolt! A long envelope, + with a magazine imprint on it, came with her morning's mail and + nearly ended a young and useful life. The editor begged to + inform her that the committee of judges had awarded her the + short-story prize, that her tale would be published in the + forth-coming issue, and she would please find check enclosed. + Had she any other manuscript that they might see? Would she + honour them with a visit the next time she came to New York? + They would like to talk over a series of stories similar to the + prize winner.</p><a name="Fig02"></a> + + <div class="figure" + style="width: 398px;"> + <img src="illustrations/Fig02.jpg" + width="350" + height="605" + alt=""><br> + + + <p class="caption">BAMBI FLUTTERED THE JOY-BRINGING LETTER + ABOVE HER HEAD AND CIRCLED THE BREAKFAST-ROOM IN A WHIRL OF + HAPPINESS.</p> + </div><br> + + + <p>The Professor and Jarvis had both departed to their lairs, + or they would have witnessed the best pas seul of Bambi's life. + She fluttered the joy-bringing letter above her head, and + circled the breakfast room in a whirl of happiness. Ardelia + entered as she reached her climax.</p> + + <p>"Mah good Lud, Miss Bambi, yo' sho' can dance better'n + Jezebel! I 'low the debil do git into yo', the way yo' all + dance! Go 'way frum me! Don' yo' drag me into no cunjer + dance."</p> + + <p>"Ardelia, the gods do provide!" cried Bambi. "Such + unutterably crazy good luck—to think of my getting + it!"</p> + + <p>"Did yo' get a lottery prize, Miss Bambi?"</p> + + <p>"That's just what I got—a lottery prize."</p> + + <p>"Foh the Lud's sake! What you gwine to do with it?"</p> + + <p>"I am going to take Jarvis Jocelyn to New York, and between + us we are going to harness Fame and drive her home."</p> + + <p>"Well, I don' know who Fame is, but if she's a hoss, wher' + yo' goin' to keep her when yo' get her? We ain't got no barn + for her."</p> + + <p>Bambi laughed.</p> + + <p>"We'll stable her all right, Ardelia, if we can catch her. + This is a secret between you and me. Don't you breathe it to a + soul that I have won anything."</p> + + <p>"No, ma'am; yo' kin trust me to the death."</p> + + <p>"I'll bring you a present from New York if you won't + tell."</p> + + <p>She rushed off to her own room, to look over her clothes and + plan. Having married Jarvis out of hand, she would now take him + on a moneymoon; they would seek their fortune instead of love. + He would peddle his play; she would honour the publisher with a + visit. She hugged herself with joy over the prospect. She + worked out various schemes by which she could break it to + Jarvis and the Professor that she had money enough for a trip + to New York, without saying how she got it. Fortunately, they + were not of an inquiring mind, so she hoped that she could + convince them without much difficulty. She tried out a scene or + two just to prove how she would do it. At luncheon she paved + the way.</p> + + <p>"How much more work is there on the play, Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"I ought to finish it this week," he answered. "It is good, + too. It is a first-rate play."</p> + + <p>"You ought to go to New York with it, and see the managers," + she said.</p> + + <p>"Ugh!"</p> + + <p>"Well, it's got to be done. You can't teach school unless + you have pupils."</p> + + <p>"I am not a pedant," he protested.</p> + + <p>"You're a reformer, and you've got to get something to + reform."</p> + + <p>"The work itself satisfies me."</p> + + <p>"It doesn't satisfy me. You have got to produce and learn + before you will grow."</p> + + <p>"You're a wise body for such a small package."</p> + + <p>"That's the way wisdom comes."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps, O sibyl, you will read the future and tell me how + I am to finance a trip to New York."</p> + + <p>"Oh, the money will be provided," airily.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I suppose it will. It always is when actual need + demands it, but how?"</p> + + <p>"Never mind how. Just rest in the assurance that it + will."</p> + + <p>He looked at her, smiling.</p> + + <p>"Do you know I sometimes suspect that Fate had a hand in + bringing us together? We are so alike."</p> + + <p>"We are so alike we're different," she amended, + laughing.</p> + + <p>She waited until next day to explode her bomb.</p> + + <p>"I think if you finish up the play this week, Jarvis, we can + have it typed early next week, and get off to New York on + Friday or Saturday."</p> + + <p>He stared at her.</p> + + <p>"On foot?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. I find I have the money."</p> + + <p>"You find you have it! You had that much and didn't know + it?" he exploded so loudly that the Professor came to, and paid + attention.</p> + + <p>"I am careless about these things," Bambi murmured.</p> + + <p>"What's all this?" queried the Professor.</p> + + <p>"What I can't see is that if you had money enough to pay up + my board bill, why you married me," continued Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"Just one of my whims. I am so whimsical," retorted + Bambi.</p> + + <p>"Would you mind telling me?" begged the Professor.</p> + + <p>"She's got money enough to take us to New York," repeated + Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"Thank you. I don't wish to go to that terrible place. Of + all the distressing, improbable places, New York is the worst," + replied Professor Parkhurst.</p> + + <p>"Be calm, Professor. I was not planning to take you," + soothed his daughter.</p> + + <p>"But what is to be done with me?" he inquired, + anxiously.</p> + + <p>"You are to be left the one sole duty of Ardelia, to be + overfed and pampered until you aren't fit to live with."</p> + + <p>"But you can't go off alone with Jarvis."</p> + + <p>"Why not? I am married to him."</p> + + <p>"Yes, I suppose you are, but you seem so unmarried," he + objected.</p> + + <p>"We will have to practise up a few married poses, Jarvis. + You must not act so interested in me. Father says we don't act + married."</p> + + <p>"I am not in the least interested in you," Jarvis defended + himself, valiantly.</p> + + <p>"There, father, could anything be more husband-like?"</p> + + <p>"Where did you get the money, Jarvis?" the Professor + asked.</p> + + <p>"I didn't get it. She got it."</p> + + <p>"Why, my dear," protested her father, "where did you get any + money?"</p> + + <p>"I have turned lady burglar."</p> + + <p>"What?"</p> + + <p>"Cheer up. It's butter-'n'-eggs money."</p> + + <p>"Butter-'n'-eggs money?" repeated Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"Certainly. The downtrodden farmer's wife always gives up + her butter-'n'-eggs money to save the family fortunes, or build + a new barn."</p> + + <p>"What are you talking about?" interrupted the Professor.</p> + + <p>"I don't know why the fact that I have a little money saved + up should start a riot in this family. I have to go to New York + on business, and as Jarvis has to go to see managers about + 'Success,' I merely proposed that we go together."</p> + + <p>"What business have you in New York, my dear?"</p> + + <p>"My own, Professor darling."</p> + + <p>"Excuse me," he hastened to add.</p> + + <p>"Certainly," she replied, blithely.</p> + + <p>"I hate New York," said Jarvis. "How long do you suppose we + will have to stay?"</p> + + <p>"I adore New York, and we will stay as long as the money + holds out."</p> + + <p>"Would you mind stating, in round figures, how much you + have?" the Professor remarked.</p> + + <p>"I would. I detest figures, round or oblong. I have + enough."</p> + + <p>"I hope you won't get there, and then call on me for a + supply, as you usually do, my dear. I am a little short this + spring."</p> + + <p>"You two have no confidence in me. If you will just put your + trust in Bambi, I'll mend the fortunes of this family so you + will never be able to find the patch."</p> + + <p>The two men laughed in spite of themselves, and the matter + was dropped, but Bambi herself took the manuscript of "Success" + to the stenographer, with strict orders as to a time limit; she + led Jarvis, protesting, to a tailor's, to order a suit of + clothes; she restocked him in collars, shirts, and ties. In + fact, she handled the situation like a diplomat, buying the + railroad tickets with a thrill of anticipation.</p> + + <p>Jarvis made no protest at all, until the night before they + were to start. He came to her and offered her a little black + notebook.</p> + + <p>"What is this?"</p> + + <p>"I want you to put down every cent we spend. This is a loan, + you understand."</p> + + <p>"It's a gift from the gods. Go offer libations. I don't want + your old debit and credit book."</p> + + <p>He laid his hand on her shoulder, and looked into her + shining eyes.</p> + + <p>"Good little fairy," he said, "I want to put some gold dust + in the pot, too."</p> + + <p>"Wait until we get to the end of the rainbow."</p> + + <p>"Just keep a record for me. My mind is such a sieve," he + said, offering the spurned black book.</p> + + <p>"All right. Give me the Black Maria. I will ride your + figures in it."</p> + + <p>"That was a pun. You ought to be spanked."</p> + + <p>"Oh, Jarvis, isn't it fun?" she cried to him.</p> + + <p>"Is it? I feel that turning salesman and approaching a + manager is like marching to the block."</p> + + <p>"Poor old dreamer! Suppose you stay home, and let me peddle + the play."</p> + + <p>"Not much. I will shoulder my own pack."</p> + + <p>"I feel like a Crusader myself. I'd rather be <i>me</i> than + anybody on earth."</p> + + <p>"The most extraordinary thing about you is your rapture," he + commented, seriously.</p> + + <p>She ran away, singing "Then Longen folke to go on + Pilgrimauges."</p> + + <p>The next day they set forth on their journey. Bambi left + lists all over the house as reminders for the Professor. + Ardelia had orders enough to manoeuvre an army. The Professor + went to the station with them, and absent-mindedly kissed + Jarvis good-bye, which infuriated his victim and nearly sent + Bambi into hysterics. As the train pulled out, she leaned from + the window and called, "Go home, now, Professor!" and with a + mechanical jerk he turned and started off in the direction + indicated.</p> + + <p>"I never leave him with any comfort," she admitted to + Jarvis. "He is so apt to mislay himself."</p> + + <p>"He always makes me think of a mechanical toy, ever since he + told me that he always counted whatever he did. I am sure that + you wind him up, like a watch, every night."</p> + + <p>"Poor old dear! Funny I should have chosen him for a father, + isn't it?"</p> + + <p>"I think your choice of relations is distinctly queer."</p> + + <p>"My queer relations! That's a good title. Everybody would + understand it at once."</p> + + <p>"Thank heaven, I haven't any, queer, or otherwise."</p> + + <p>"Didn't you ever have any?"</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"Just growed?"</p> + + <p>He nodded.</p> + + <p>"I remember a funny old man you lived with, when I first + knew you. Wasn't he a relative?"</p> + + <p>"No, he found me some place. What's the difference? Do you + care?"</p> + + <p>"No, I'm glad. I am sure I couldn't abide 'in-laws.' "</p> + + <p>Over the luncheon table he suddenly looked at her, as if for + the first time. He noticed that all the eyes in the crowded + diner were upon her.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter?" she asked, intercepting his glance.</p> + + <p>"Do people always stare at you?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>She swept the car with an indifferent glance.</p> + + <p>"I don't know. I never noticed."</p> + + <p>"It's queer for us to be going off like this," he said, in a + startled tone.</p> + + <p>"It seems perfectly natural to me. Are you embarrassed?" she + asked, suddenly aware of a new quality in him.</p> + + <p>"No, certainly not," he defended himself.</p> + + <p>It was five o'clock when they drew into Grand Central + Station, a time when the whole duty of man seems to be to get + out of New York and into the suburbs. An army of ants ran + through the great blue-vaulted rotunda, streaming into the + narrow tunnels, where the steel horses were puffing and + steaming. The sense of rushing waters was upon Jarvis. He + halted, stunned and helpless.</p> + + <p>"Isn't it great? All the tribes of Shem, Ham, and Japhet," + cried Bambi, at his elbow. She piloted him through—big, + powerful, bewildered Jarvis. Many a hurrying suburbanite slowed + up enough to look after them, the tall, blond giant, and a + little girl with shining eyes.</p> + + <p>"Where are we going?" Jarvis asked, with child-like + confidence that she would know.</p> + + <p>"Gramercy Park. We'll put up at a club. We'll act rich and + take a taxi."</p> + + <p>She ordered the driver to go down the avenue slowly, and as + he jolted around the crowded corner of Forty-second Street, on + to the smooth asphalt, Bambi leaned forward + eagerly.</p><a name="Fig03"></a> + + <div class="figure" + style="width: 598px;"> + <img src="illustrations/Fig03.jpg" + width="550" + height="395" + alt=""><br> + + + <p class="caption">"GOOD EVENING, MRS. NEW YORK, AND ALL + YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE! WE'RE HERE, JARVIS AND I."</p> + </div><br> + + + <p>"Good evening, home of the books," she nodded to the + Library. "Good evening, Mrs. New York, and all you people + there! We're here, Jarvis and I."</p> + + <p>She turned and caught his rare smile.</p> + + <p>"You're happy, aren't you?" he remarked.</p> + + <p>"Perfectly. I feel as if I were breathing electricity. Don't + you like all these people?"</p> + + <p>"No, I feel that there are too many of them. There should be + half as many, and better done. Until we learn not to breed like + rabbits, we will never accomplish a creditable race."</p> + + <p>"Such good-looking rabbits though, Jarvis."</p> + + <p>"Yes. Sleek and empty-headed."</p> + + <p>"All hopping uptown, to nibble something," she chuckled.</p> + + <p>"Life is such foolishness," he said, in disgust.</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. Life is such ecstasy," she threw back at him, as + the cab drew up to the clubhouse door.</p><br> + + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>V</h2> + + <p>Bambi was out of bed and at her window the next morning + early. Her room faced on Gramercy Park, and the early morning + sun fell across the little square so sacred to the memory of + past glories, and bathed the trees in their new green drapery + with a soft, impressionistic colour. Her eyes swept around the + square, hastening over the great white apartment buildings, our + modern atrocities, to linger over the old houses, which her + swift imagination peopled with the fashion and pomp of another + day.</p> + + <p>"Spring in the city!" breathed Bambi. "Spring in New + York!"</p> + + <p>She was tempted to run to Jarvis's door and tap him awake, + to drink it in too, but she remembered that Jarvis did not care + for the flesh-pots, so she enjoyed her early hour alone. It was + very quiet in the Park; only an occasional milk wagon rattled + down the street. There is a sort of hush that comes at that + hour, even in New York. The early traffic is out of the way. + The day's work is not yet begun. There comes a pause before the + opening gun is fired in the warfare of the day.</p> + + <p>Many a gay-hearted girl has sat, as Bambi sat, looking off + over the housetops in this "City of Beautiful Nonsense," + dreaming her dreams of conquest and success. Youth makes no + compromise with life. It demands all, passionately; loses all, + or wins, with anguish of spirit. So it was with Bambi, the + high-handed, imperious little mite. She willed Fame and Fortune + for Jarvis and herself in full measure. She wanted to count in + this great maelstrom of a city. She wanted two + pedestals—one for Jarvis and one for herself—to + lift them above the crowd. If all the young things who think + such thoughts as these, in hall bedrooms and attic chambers, + could mount their visioned pedestals, the traffic police would + be powerless, and all the road to Albany lined like a Hall of + Fame.</p><a name="Fig01"></a> + + <div class="figure" + style="width: 421px;"> + <img src="illustrations/Fig01.jpg" + height="600" + width="373" + alt=""> + </div><br> + + + <p>But, fortunately, our practical heroine took no account of + failure. She planned a campaign for Jarvis. She would go first + to Belasco with his play. Mr. Belasco would receive him at + once, recognize a master mind, and accept the play after an + immediate hearing. Of course Jarvis would insist on reading his + play aloud, so that Mr. Belasco might get the points clearly. + He would come away with a thousand dollars advance royalty in + his pocket, and then would come the delicious excitement of + rehearsals, in which she would help. She saw Jarvis before the + curtain making a first-night's speech. A brilliant series of + pictures followed, with the Jarvis Jocelyns as central figures, + surrounded by the wealth and brains of New York, London, + Paris!</p> + + <p>While Jarvis was mounting like a meteor, she was making a + reputation as a writer. When her place in the literary ranks + was so assured that the <i>Saturday Evening Post</i> accepted + her stories without so much as reading them; when everybody was + asking "Who is this brilliant writer?—this combination of + O. Henry, Edith Wharton, and W.D. Howells?" then, and only + then, would she come out from behind her <i>nom-de-plume</i> + and assume her position as Mrs. Jarvis Jocelyn, wife of the + famous playwright.</p> + + <p>So absorbed was she in her moving pictures that Jarvis's rap + sounded to her like a cannon shot.</p> + + <p>"Yes? Who is it?" she called.</p> + + <p>"Jarvis," he answered. "Are you ready for breakfast?"</p> + + <p>"Just a minute," she prevaricated. "Wait for me in the + library."</p> + + <p>She plunged into her tub and donned her clothes in record + time. Fortunately, Jarvis did not fret over her tardiness. He + was lost in an article on the drama in a current magazine.</p> + + <p>"Good morrow, my liege lord," quoth Bambi, radiant, fresh, + bewitching.</p> + + <p>"This man has no standards at all," he replied, out of the + magazine.</p> + + <p>She quietly closed it and took it from him.</p> + + <p>"I prefer to test the breakfast standards of this club," she + laughed. "Did you sleep?" she added.</p> + + <p>"I always sleep."</p> + + <p>"Let's play to-day," she added, over the coffee cups.</p> + + <p>"Play?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. We've never been anywhere together before. I've put + aside an appropriation for amusement. I say we draw on that + to-day."</p> + + <p>"All right. Where shall we go?"</p> + + <p>"Let's go on top of the stage to Claremont for lunch, and + then we might see some pictures this afternoon, dine here, and + the theatre to-night."</p> + + <p>"Had it all thought out, did you?"</p> + + <p>"What would you plan?" she inquired.</p> + + <p>"We will do my way to-morrow, and your way to-day," he + said.</p> + + <p>"All right. I promise to enjoy your way if you will promise + to enjoy mine, not just endure it scornfully."</p> + + <p>"You must think I'm a boor."</p> + + <p>"No. But I think that until you learn that an artist cannot + afford to scorn any phase of life that is human, you will never + do great work."</p> + + <p>He looked at her keenly.</p> + + <p>"Fifth Avenue isn't human. It's an imitation," he + objected.</p> + + <p>"You're very young, Jarvis," she commented.</p> + + <p>"Upon my soul," he laughed, so spontaneously that an old + fogy at the next table said audibly to his waitress, "Bride and + groom," and for some reason Bambi resented it with a flare of + colour.</p> + + <p>"It's true," she continued; "until you realize that Fifth + Avenue and the Bowery are as inevitable as the two ends of the + teeter-totter, you won't see the picture true."</p> + + <p>"Sometimes you show a most surprising poise," he granted + her. "But of course you are not the stuff of which creative + artists are made."</p> + + <p>She chuckled, and patted her bag where the bill fold lay, + with its crisp hundreds due to some imitation of creative + impulse.</p> + + <p>"Just where, and in what, am I lacking?" she asked, most + humbly.</p> + + <p>"A creative artist would not care a fig for truth. He + creates an impression of truth out of a lie if necessary."</p> + + <p>"But I am in the direct line from Ananias," she protested. + "I inherit creative talent of that brand."</p> + + <p>So they laughed and chattered, in the first real + companionship they had ever known.</p> + + <p>True to the plan, they ascended the stage at Eighteenth + Street, Bambi in a flutter of happiness. As the panorama of + that most fascinating highway unrolled before them, she + constantly touched this and that and the other object with the + wand of her vivid imagination. Jarvis watched her with amused + astonishment, for the first time really thoroughly aware of + her. Again he noticed that wherever she was she was a lodestone + for all eyes. He decided that it was not beauty, in the + strictest sense of the word, but a sort of radiance which + emanated from her like an aura.</p> + + <p>Twenty-third Street cut across their path with its teeming + throngs. Madison Square lay smiling in the sunshine like a + happy courtesan, with no hint of its real use as Wayside Inn + for all the old, the poor, the derelict, whose tired feet could + find refuge there. The vista of the avenue lay ahead.</p> + + <p>"It's like a necklace of sparkling pearls," Bambi said, with + incessant craning of her neck. "I feel like standing up and + singing 'The Song of the Bazaars.' There isn't a stuff, nor a + silk, nor a gem from Araby to Samarkand that isn't here."</p> + + <p>"It bewitches you, doesn't it?" Jarvis commented.</p> + + <p>"Think of the wonder of it! Camel trains, and caravans, + merchant ships on all the seas, trains, and electric trucks, + all bringing the booty of the world to this great, shining + bazaar for you and me. It's thrilling."</p> + + <p>"So it is," he agreed. "I hope you mark the proportion of + shops for men—dresses, hats, jewels, furs, motor clothes, + tea rooms, candy shops, corsetières, florists, + bootmakers, all for women. Motor cars are full of women. Are + there no men in this menagerie?"</p> + + <p>"No. They are all cliff-dwellers downtown. They probably + wear loin cloths of a fashionable cut," she laughed back at + him.</p> + + <p>"They all look just alike—so many manikins on parade. + I suppose there are distinctions in class. There must be some + shopgirls in this crowd. Can you distinguish them?" he + asked.</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. Not by cut, for the general line is the same for + 'Judy O'Grady and the Captain's Lady,' but there is a subtle + difference to the feminine eye."</p> + + <p>"But you don't look like all the rest of them."</p> + + <p>"No, alas, I look distinctly suburban. All I need is a + package to make the disguise complete. Oh, Jarvis, do let's + hurry and make much red gold, so I can look like these finished + things that trip up Fifth Avenue."</p> + + <p>"You want to be like them—like those dolls?" he + scorned, with a magnificent gesture.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I'd like to be so putrid with wealth that I could have + rows of wardrobe trunks, with full sets of clothes for every + me."</p> + + <p>"How many of you are there?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, lots. I've never counted myself. Some days I'd dress up + like a Broadway siren, some days I'd be a Fifth Avenue lady, or + a suburbanite, or a reformer, or a ballet dancer, or a visitor + from Boston."</p> + + <p>"What would I be doing while you were all these?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, you'd be married to all of us. We'd keep you busy."</p> + + <p>"The idea is appalling. A harem of misfits."</p> + + <p>"We'd be good for your character."</p> + + <p>"And death to my work."</p> + + <p>"You'd know more about life when you had taken a course of + us."</p> + + <p>"Too much knowledge is a dangerous thing," he remarked. + "Shall we get off and go into the Library?"</p> + + <p>"Not to-day. That's part of your day. I want just people and + things in mine."</p> + + <p>"What are you to-day?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>"An houri, a soulless houri," she retorted.</p> + + <p>As they approached the University Club, Jarvis recognized it + with scorn.</p> + + <p>"Monument to the stupidity of modern education, probably + full this minute of provincials from Harvard and Yale, all + smugly resting in the assurance that they are men of + culture."</p> + + <p>"I adore the way you demolish worlds," Bambi sparkled up at + him.</p> + + <p>"Another monument," he remarked, indicating a new church + lifting its spires among the money-changers' booths.</p> + + <p>"<i>Hic jacet,</i> education and religion. Look at that slim + white lady called the Plaza."</p> + + <p>"You ought to name her 'Miss New York.' "</p> + + <p>"Good, Jarvis. In time you will learn to play with me."</p> + + <p>He frowned slightly.</p> + + <p>"I know," she added, "I am scheduled under + <i>Interruptions</i> in that famous notebook. Unless you play + with me occasionally I shall become actively interruptive."</p> + + <p>"You are as clever as a squirrel," he said. "Always hiding + things and finding them."</p> + + <p>"<i>Hic jacet</i> Bambi, along with the other + self-important, modern institutions," she sighed humbly.</p> + + <p>They rattled across the Circle and up Broadway. Bambi was + silent, bored with its stupidity. It was not until they turned + on to Riverside Drive that her enthusiasm bubbled up again.</p> + + <p>"Don't you love rivers?" she exclaimed, as the Hudson + sparkled at them in the sun.</p> + + <p>"I've never known any," he replied.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Mr. Hudson, Mr. Jocelyn," she said, instantly. "I + thought, of course, you had met."</p> + + <p>"You absurdity!" laughed Jarvis. "What is it that you love + about rivers?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, their subtlety, I suppose. They look and act so + aimless, and they are going somewhere all the time. They are + lazy and useful and—wet. I like them."</p> + + <p>"Is there anything in the universe you don't like?" Jarvis + inquired.</p> + + <p>"Yes, but I can't think what it is just now," she answered, + and sang "Ships of mine are floating—will they all come + home?" so zestfully that an old gentleman in the front seat + turned, with a smiling "I hope so, my dear!"</p> + + <p>She nodded back at him gayly, to Jarvis's annoyance. As they + approached Grant's Tomb, she glanced at him suspiciously. When + they got safely by, she sighed with content.</p> + + <p>"If you had said anything bromidic about Grant's Tomb, + Jarvis Jocelyn, I should have thrown myself off the top of the + stage to certain death."</p> + + <p>"At times you underestimate me," he replied.</p> + + <p>At Claremont, Bambi ordered a most enticing repast, and they + were very gay. Everybody seemed gay, too. The sun shone, the + early spring air was soft, and a certain gala "stolen sweets" + air of Claremont made it seem their most intimate meal.</p> + + <p>Everybody smiled at Bambi and she smiled back.</p> + + <p>"Nice sort of hookey place, isn't it?" she commented.</p> + + <p>"Do you know the man at the next table?"</p> + + <p>"Which one?"</p> + + <p>"The fat one, who is staring so."</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. I thought you meant the one who lifts his glass to + me every time he drinks."</p> + + <p>Jarvis pushed back his chair furiously.</p> + + <p>"I will smash his head," he said, rising.</p> + + <p>"Jarvis! Sit down! You silly thing! He's only in fun. It's + the spirit of the place."</p> + + <p>"I won't have you toasted by strange men," he thundered.</p> + + <p>"All right. I'll make a face at him next time," she said, + soothingly; but somewhere, down in the depths of her being, + where her cave ancestor lurked, she was pleased. As they + finished their coffee, Bambi picked up the check, which the + waiter laid beside Jarvis's plate.</p> + + <p>"Do you mind my paying it? Would you rather do it?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly not. It's your money. Why should I pretend about + it?"</p> + + <p>She could have hugged him for it. Instead, she overfed the + waiter.</p> + + <p>"It's too heavenly, out of doors, for pictures, after all," + she said, as they came out on to the drive. "What shall we + do?"</p> + + <p>"Let's get that double-decker again, and ride until we come + to the end of the world."</p> + + <p>"Righto. Here it comes, now."</p> + + <p>Downtown they went, to Washington Square, where they + dismounted, to wander off at random. All at once they were in + another world. It was like an Alice in Wonderland adventure. + They stepped out of the quiet of the green, shady quadrangle + into a narrow street, swarming with life.</p> + + <p>Innumerable children, everywhere, shrieking and running at + games. Fat mothers and babies along the curb, bargaining with + pushcart men. A wheezing hurdy-gurdy, with every other note + gone to the limbo of lost chords, rasped and leaked jerky + tunes. All the shops had foreign names on the windows—not + even an "English spoken here" sign. The fresh wind blew down + the dirty street, and peppered everything with dust. Newspapers + increased their circulation in a most irritating manner under + foot. The place was hideous, lifting its raucous cry to the + fair spring sky.</p> + + <p>Jarvis looked at Bambi, silenced, for once. Her face + registered a loud protest.</p> + + <p>"Well?" he challenged her.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I hate ugliness so. It's like pain. Is it very weak of + me to hate ugliness?" she begged.</p> + + <p>"It's very natural, and no doubt weak."</p> + + <p>"I wouldn't mind the thought of poverty so much—not + hunger, nor thirst, nor cold—but dirt and + hideousness—they are too terrible."</p> + + <p>"This is life in the raw. You like it dressed for Fifth + Avenue better," he taunted.</p> + + <p>"Do you prefer this?"</p> + + <p>"Infinitely."</p> + + <p>She looked about again, with a sense of having missed his + point.</p> + + <p>"Because it's fight, hand-to-throat fight?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. You can teach these people. They don't know anything. + They are dumb beasts. You can give them tongue. It's too late + to teach your Upper End."</p> + + <p>A woman passed close, with a baby, covered with great sores. + Bambi caught at Jarvis's sleeve and tottered a step.</p> + + <p>"I feel a little sick," she faltered.</p> + + <p>He caught her hand through his arm, and hurried her quickly + back the way they had come. As they mounted the stage, he + looked at her white face.</p> + + <p>"We will have to expurgate life for you, Miss Mite."</p> + + <p>"No, no. I want it all. I must get hardened."</p> + + <p>Back at the club, she hurried into her hot bath, with a + vague hope of washing off all traces of that awful street. But + their talk at dinner was desultory and rather serious. Jarvis + talked for the most part, elaborating schemes of social reform + and the handling of our immigrant brothers.</p> + + <p>They started off to the theatre, with no definite plan. + Bambi's spirits rose to the lights of Broadway, like a trout to + a silver shiner. There is a hectic joyousness on Broadway, a + personification of the "Eat, drink and be merry, for to-morrow + we die" spirit which warms you, like champagne, or chills you, + like the icy hand of despair, according to your mood. Bambi + skipped along beside Jarvis, twittering gayly.</p> + + <p>"People are happy, aren't they?"</p> + + <p>"Surface veneer."</p> + + <p>"Jarvis, you old bogie-man, hiding in the dark, to jump out + and say 'Boo!' "</p> + + <p>"That's my work—booing frauds. Let's go in here," he + added.</p> + + <p>" 'Damaged Goods,' " Bambi read on the theatre poster. "Do + you know anything about it?"</p> + + <p>"I've read it. It is not amusing," he added.</p> + + <p>She followed him without replying. The theatre was packed + with a motley audience of unrelated people. Professors and + their wives, reformers, writers, mothers with adolescent sons, + mothers with young daughters—what, in Broadway parlance, + is called a "high-brow" audience—a striking group of + people gathered together to mark a daring experiment of our + audacious times; a surgical clinic on a social sore, up to this + moment hidden, neglected, whispered about.</p> + + <p>Bambi came to it with an open mind. She had heard of Brieux, + his dramatic tracts, but she had not seen the text of this + play, nor was she prepared for it. The first act horrified her + into silence during the whole intermission. The second act + racked her with sobs, and the last act piled up the agony to + the breaking point. They made their way out to the street, part + of that quiet audience which scarcely spoke, so deep was the + impression of the play.</p> + + <p>Broadway glared and grinned and gambolled, goat-like. Bambi + clung to Jarvis tightly. He looked down at her swollen face, + red eyes, and bewildered mouth without a word. He put her into + a taxicab and got in after her. In silence she looked out at + the glittering white way.</p> + + <p>"The veneer is all rubbed off. I can see only bones," she + said, and caught her breath in a sob.</p> + + <p>Jarvis awkwardly took her hand and patted it.</p> + + <p>"I am sorry we went to that play to-night. You must not feel + things so," he added.</p> + + <p>"Didn't you feel it?"</p> + + <p>"I felt it, didactically, but not dramatically. It's a big + sermon and a poor play."</p> + + <p>"I feel as if I had had an appendicitis operation, and I am + glad it is over."</p> + + <p>"I must meet young Richard Bennett. He has contributed to + the big issues of the day. He's a fine actor. He must be an + intelligent man."</p> + + <p>For the rest of the way they drove in silence.</p> + + <p>"Tired?" Jarvis asked as they neared the club.</p> + + <p>She looked so little and crumpled, with all the shine + drowned in her eyes.</p> + + <p>"Life has beaten me raw to-day," she answered him, with a + shadowy smile.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>VI</h2> + + <p>Bambi announced the next morning that she had to have an + entire day in which to get over "Damaged Goods." Jarvis was + nothing loath to put off the evil hour when he was to start on + his manager-hunt. So they agreed on one more day of + freedom.</p> + + <p>The clouds threatened, so they looked over the papers for an + announcement of picture exhibitions, concerts, and lectures. + The choice was bewildering. They finally decided on a morning + lecture, at Berkeley Lyceum, entitled "The Religion of the + Democrat." They made their way to the little theatre, in a + leisurely manner, to find the street blocked with motor cars, + the sidewalk and foyer crowded with fashionable women, fully + half an hour before the lecture was announced. Distracted + ushers tried to find places for the endless stream of ardent + culturites, until even the stage was invaded and packed in + solid rows.</p> + + <p>"This is astonishing," said Jarvis. "What on earth do these + fine birds care for democracy?"</p> + + <p>"Must be the lecturer," said wise Bambi.</p> + + <p>"Humph! A little mental pap before they run on to + lunch."</p> + + <p>The cackle and babble ceased suddenly as the chairman and + lecturer appeared. After a few announcements, the leading man + was introduced. Bambi was right. It was the man. You felt + personality in the slow way he swept the audience with his + eyes, in the charming, friendly smile, in the humour of his + face. The women fairly purred.</p> + + <p>Jarvis grunted impatiently, and Bambi felt a sense of guilt + for her ready response to this man, who had not yet spoken. + Then he began, in a good, resonant voice, to hook this lecture + to the one of the week before.</p> + + <p>"Oh, it's a course," Bambi whispered.</p> + + <p>Jarvis nodded. He wished he was well out of it. He hated the + woman-idol kind of lecturer. Then a stray phrase caught his + wandering attention, and he began to listen. The man had the + "gift of tongues." That was evident. This was his last + conscious comment. It seemed but a few minutes later that he + turned to Bambi, as the lecturer sat down. She sat forward in + her chair, with that absorbed responsiveness he had marked in + her before. He touched her before she realized that it was time + to go.</p> + + <p>"That was big, wasn't it?" she said.</p> + + <p>"It was. He is somebody. He gave them real meat instead of + pap."</p> + + <p>"And they liked it," Bambi said, reaching for her furs, her + bag, and her umbrella, strewn under the seat in her trance.</p> + + <p>"That fellow is all right. He makes you feel that there are + fine, big things to be done in the world, and that you must be + about it—not to-morrow, but to-day," Jarvis said, as they + pushed their way out.</p> + + <p>"I wonder what these women are doing about it?" Bambi + speculated.</p> + + <p>"Talking."</p> + + <p>"Boo!" she scoffed at him.</p> + + <p>They strolled, with the strollers, on the avenue. They ate + what Jarvis dubbed "a soupçon" of lunch in a tea-shop, + and to elude a dribble of rain they betook themselves to the + Armory, down on Seventeenth Street, to the much-talked-of + International Modern Art Exhibition.</p> + + <p>Adam and Eve, the first day in the Garden, could not have + been any more dazed than these two young things who had strayed + in out of the rain. No sated sensibilities here, prodded by the + constant shocks of metropolitan "latest thing," but fresh, + enthusiastic interest was their priceless possession. They + wandered aimlessly through several rooms, until they emerged + into the Cubist and Futurist sections and stood rooted to the + floor with surprise and horror.</p> + + <p>"What are these?" Bambi demanded.</p> + + <p>"Damaged Goods," Jarvis laughed, with a rare attempt at a + joke.</p> + + <p>"Are they serious?"</p> + + <p>"Tragic, I should say."</p> + + <p>He looked about with an expression of amusement, but Bambi + felt actual, physical nausea at the sight of the vivid blue and + orange and purple.</p> + + <p>"It's wicked!" she said, between closed teeth.</p> + + <p>"Let's sit down and try to get the idea," said Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"There isn't any idea."</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes, there must be. The directors would never get + together an acre of these atrocities unless there was some + excuse."</p> + + <p>"It's low and degenerate. It's a school of hideousness. Come + away!"</p> + + <p>"You go sit in another room if you like. I am going to give + these fellows a fair chance. Maybe they've got hold of + something new."</p> + + <p>"There is nothing new about that awful woman with a decayed + face. She has been dead for weeks."</p> + + <p>"Just put your emotions away, Bambi, and train your mind on + this thing. Here is a whole school of men, working in a new + medium, along new ideas. They can't all be crazy, you + know."</p> + + <p>"You like it?"</p> + + <p>"Of course I don't like it, but it interests me. I haven't + read or heard anything about it, so it is a shock."</p> + + <p>"You shall not make for yourselves false images," she said, + shaking her head.</p> + + <p>"Maybe these maniacs are trying to break up the conventions + of Painting and Sculpture. They want more freedom."</p> + + <p>"They are anarchists, vandals!"</p> + + <p>"Possibly, but if they are necessary to the development of a + bigger art expression——"</p> + + <p>"They ought to work in secret, and exhibit in the dark."</p> + + <p>"No, no! We have to be prepared for it. Our old standards + have got to go."</p> + + <p>"I feel as medieval as the Professor. I never really + understood him before."</p> + + <p>"We ought to bring him here."</p> + + <p>"I think it would kill him," Bambi answered.</p> + + <p>They spent a couple of hours, and then went back to the + club. For some reason the Cubists had stirred Jarvis deeply. He + divined something new and sincere, where Bambi felt only pose + and degeneracy.</p> + + <p>"When you think of that awful street, and 'Damaged Goods,' + and that exhibit of horrors, all in two days, I don't wonder I + feel like an old, old woman," she said.</p> + + <p>"Suppose we stay in to-night? There is some kind of special + meeting announced here, to discuss the drama. We might go in + for a little while."</p> + + <p>"All right. But 'early to bed,' for to-morrow we set out on + our careers."</p> + + <p>"You haven't told me what yours is, yet," he objected.</p> + + <p>"Mine is a secret."</p> + + <p>The dining-room of the club was entirely full when they went + down, and the hum of talk and laughter roused Bambi's tired + sensibilities.</p> + + <p>"It's quite jolly," she said. "Some of the people look + interesting, don't they?"</p> + + <p>"I talked to that little man, over there, with the red + necktie, while I was waiting for you, and he has ideas."</p> + + <p>"Lovely woman with him."</p> + + <p>They chatted personalities for a while.</p> + + <p>"Seems ages since we left home, doesn't it?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Big mental experiences obliterate time."</p> + + <p>"The Professor has forgotten to write, of course."</p> + + <p>"He has probably forgotten us."</p> + + <p>"Oh, no!"</p> + + <p>"I feel that I am getting rather well acquainted with you," + he nodded and smiled.</p> + + <p>"How do you like me, now that you have met me?" she + teased.</p> + + <p>"You are an interesting specimen over-sensitized."</p> + + <p>"Jarvis!" she protested. "I sound like a Cubist + picture."</p> + + <p>After dinner they drifted with the crowd into the art + gallery, where they talked to several people who introduced + themselves. It was very friendly and social. The lecturer they + had heard in the morning was there. Jarvis went to speak to + him, and brought him back to Bambi. She found him jolly and + responsive. She even dared to twit him about his feminine + audience.</p> + + <p>People seated themselves in groups, and finally a chairman + made some remarks about the Modern Drama and invited a + discussion. A dramatic critic made cynical comment on the + so-called "uplift plays," which roused Jarvis to indignation. + To Bambi's surprise, he was on his feet instantly, and a + torrent of words was spilled upon the dramatic critic. He held + the attention closely, in an impassioned plea for thoughtful + drama, not necessarily didactic, but the serious handling of + vital problems in comedy, if necessary, or even in farce. It + need not be such harrowing work as Brieux makes it, but if the + man who had things to say could and would conquer the technique + of dramatic writing, he would reach the biggest audiences that + could be provided, which ought to pay him for the severity of + his apprenticeship.</p> + + <p>Bambi thrilled with pride in him, his handsome face, his + passionate idealism, and his eloquence. He sat down, amid much + applause, and Bambi knew he had made his place among these + clever people. He took some part in the discussion that + followed, and when they went upstairs she marked the flush of + excitement and the alive look of his face.</p> + + <p>"I was proud of you, Jarvis," she said, as they stopped at + her door.</p> + + <p>"Nonsense. The man I talked against was a duffer, but this + has been a great day," he said. "This place stimulates you + every minute."</p> + + <p>"Tomorrow we move on Broadway, Captain Jocelyn. Get your + forces in order to advance."</p> + + <p>"Very good, General. Good night, sir."</p> + + <p>"Good-night."</p> + + <p>As she closed her door she skipped across the room. She knew + the first gun had been fired when Jarvis rose to speak. If she + was to act as commander in the making of his career, she was + glad she had a personality to work with. Nobody would forget + that Greek head, with its close-cropped brown curls, those + dreaming blue eyes, and that sensitive, over-controlled mouth. + Her own dreams were wrought about them.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>VII</h2> + + <p>The day which Bambi foretold would some time be famous in + history dawned propitiously, with sun and soft airs. A sense of + excitement got them up early. Breakfast was over, and Jarvis + ready for action, by eight-thirty.</p> + + <p>"I don't believe Mr. Belasco will be down this early, + Jarvis," Bambi said.</p> + + <p>"Well, he is a busy man. He'll probably get an early start. + I want to be on the ground when he arrives, anyhow. If he + should want me to read the play this morning, we should need + time."</p> + + <p>She made no more objections. She straightened his tie, and + brushed his coat, with shining eyes, full of excitement.</p> + + <p>"Just think! In five hours we may know." He took up his hat + and his manuscript.</p> + + <p>"Yes," he answered confidently. "Shall we lunch here?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, and do hurry back, Jarvis."</p> + + <p>At the door he remembered her.</p> + + <p>"Where are you going? Do you want to come?"</p> + + <p>"No. I have something to attend to myself. Good luck."</p> + + <p>She held out her hand to him. He held it a second, looking + at it as if it was a specimen of something hitherto + unknown.</p> + + <p>"I am not forgetting that you are giving me this chance," he + said, and left abruptly.</p> + + <p>Bambi leaped about the rooms in a series of joy-leaps that + would have shamed Mordkin, before she began the serious + business of the day.</p> + + <p>Jarvis had carefully looked up the exact location of the + Belasco Theatre. He decided to walk uptown, in order to arrange + his thoughts, and to make up his mind just how much and what he + would say to Mr. Belasco. The stir, the people, the noise and + the roar were unseen, unheard. He strolled along, towering + above the crowd, a blond young Achilles, with many an admiring + eye turned in his wake.</p> + + <p>None of the perquisites of success, so dear to Bambi's + dreams, appealed to him. He saw himself, like John the Baptist, + crying in the wilderness, which was the world, and all the + people, in all the cities, were roused out of their lethargy + and dull submission at his call—not to prayer, but to + thought. It was a great mission he was upon, and even Broadway + became consecrated ground. He walked far beyond the cross + street of the theatre in his absorption, so it was exactly + half-after nine when he arrived at the box office.</p> + + <p>"I want to speak to Mr. Belasco," he said to the man + there.</p> + + <p>"Three flights up."</p> + + <p>"Is there an elevator?"</p> + + <p>"Naw."</p> + + <p>He resented the man's grin, but he made no reply. He began + to climb the long flights of dark stairs. Arrived at the top, + the doors were all locked, so he was forced to descend again to + the box office.</p> + + <p>"There is nobody up there," he said.</p> + + <p>"You didn't expect anybody to be there at this hour of the + dawn, did you?"</p> + + <p>"What time does Mr. Belasco usually come?"</p> + + <p>"There is nothing usual about him. He is liable to land here + any time between now and midnight, if he comes at all."</p> + + <p>"He doesn't come every day, then?"</p> + + <p>The man grinned.</p> + + <p>"Say, you're new to this game, ain't you? Sometimes he don't + show up for days. The steno can tell you whether he is coming + to-day."</p> + + <p>"The steno?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. The skirt that's in his office."</p> + + <p>"When does she come?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, about ten or eleven."</p> + + <p>"Thank you."</p> + + <p>"Don't mention it."</p> + + <p>Jarvis made the ascent again. He stood about for nearly an + hour before the office girl arrived. "Those stairs is the + limit," she gasped. "You waiting for me?"</p> + + <p>"I am waiting for Mr. Belasco."</p> + + <p>"Oh! Appointment?"</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"Got a letter to him?"</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"What do you want to see him about? A job?"</p> + + <p>"No. About a play."</p> + + <p>She ushered him in, opened the windows, took off her hat, + looked at herself in the mirror, while she patted her wonderful + hair. She powdered her nose, fixed her neck ruffle, apparently + oblivious of Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"What time do you expect Mr. Belasco?"</p> + + <p>"Goodness only knows."</p> + + <p>"Do you think he will come to-day?"</p> + + <p>"Far be it from me to say."</p> + + <p>"But I wish to see him."</p> + + <p>"Many a blond has twirled his thumbs around here for weeks + for the same reason."</p> + + <p>"But I am only in New York for a little while."</p> + + <p>"I should worry," said she, opening her typewriter desk. + "Give me your play. I'll see that it gets to him."</p> + + <p>"I'd rather talk to him myself."</p> + + <p>"Suit yourself."</p> + + <p>"I suppose I can wait here?"</p> + + <p>"No charge for chairs," said the cheerful one.</p> + + <p>An hour passed, broken only by the click of the typewriter. + Conventional overtures from the cheerful one being discouraged, + she smashed the keys in sulky silence. From eleven to twelve + things were considerably enlivened. Many sleek youths, of a + type he had seen on Broadway, arrived. They saluted the + cheerful one gayly as "Sally" and indulged in varying degrees + of witty persiflage before the inevitable "The Governor + in?"</p> + + <p>"Nope."</p> + + <p>"Expect him to-day?"</p> + + <p>"I dunno."</p> + + <p>"Billy here?"</p> + + <p>"Dunno."</p> + + <p>"Thank you, little one."</p> + + <p>Sometimes they departed, sometimes they joined Jarvis's + waiting party. Lovely ladies, and some not so lovely. Old and + young, fat and thin, they climbed the many stairs and met their + disappointment cheerfully. They usually fell upon Jack, or + Billy, or Jim, of the waiters, who, in turn, fell upon Belle, + or Susan, or Fay.</p> + + <p>"What are you with? How's business?" were always the first + questions, followed by shop talk, unintelligible to Jarvis. One + youth said that he had been to this office ten successive + mornings without getting an appointment. The others laughed, + and one woman boasted that she had the record, for she had gone + twenty-eight times before she saw Frohman, the last engagement + she sought.</p> + + <p>"But he engaged me the 29th," she laughed.</p> + + <p>They impressed Jarvis as the lightest-hearted set he had + ever encountered. They laughed over everything and nothing. By + one o'clock Jarvis and the cheerful one were again in sole + possession.</p> + + <p>"Don't you ever eat?" she asked him.</p> + + <p>"Oh, is it lunch time?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>"Come out of the trance."</p> + + <p>She went through the entire performance before the mirror, + in putting on her hat.</p> + + <p>"Shall I bring you anything, dearie?" she asked him, as she + completed her toilette.</p> + + <p>"I'm going, too," he said. "I'll be back."</p> + + <p>He plunged down the stairs. When he reached the street he + thought of Bambi's face when he returned with the announcement + of his futile morning. He went into a shop, telephoned the club + that he had been detained and would not be back to lunch. Then + he foraged for food and went back to his sitting on the top + floor of the Belasco.</p> + + <p>"Well, little stranger," said the cheerful one, on her + return.</p> + + <p>His interest in the afternoon callers waned. At five o'clock + he gave it up. He arranged with his new friend to call her up + in the morning to see if she had any news from the front. Then + he slowly turned his footsteps toward the club. He was + irritated at the long delay, and for the first time aware that + there might be more difficulty in seeing managers than he had + anticipated. He had thought the condescension all on his part, + but eight hours of airing his heels in the outer purlieus had + altered his viewpoint a trifle.</p> + + <p>His main concern was Bambi's disappointment. She had sent + him out with such high hopes—she would receive him back + with his Big Chief feathers drooping. He was sorrier than he + would admit to drown the shine in her eyes. He walked downtown + to postpone the evil hour, but in the end it had to be + faced.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>VIII</h2> + + <p>After Jarvis had departed on his conquering way Bambi turned + her attention to herself. She made a most careful toilette. + When she was hatted, and veiled, and gloved, she tripped up and + down before her mirror, trying herself out, as it were. She + made several entrances into editorial sanctums. Once she + entered haltingly, drawn to her full five-feet-one; once she + bounced in, confidently, but she vetoed that, and decided upon + a dignified but cordial entrance. One more trip to the mirror + for a close inspection.</p> + + <p>"Oh, you pretty thing!" she nodded to herself.</p> + + <p>She set forth, as Jarvis had done, with the address on the + publisher's letter clasped in her hand. She marched uptown with + a singing heart. She saw everything and everybody. She wondered + how many of them carried happy secrets, like hers, in their + thoughts—how many of them were going toward thrilling + experiences. She shot her imagination, like a boomerang, at + every passing face, in the hope of getting back secrets that + lay behind the masks. She was unaware how her direct gaze + riveted attention to her own eager face. She thought the people + who smiled at her were friendly, and she tossed them back as + good as they gave. Even when a waxed and fashionable old dandy + remarked, "Good morning, my dear," she only laughed. Naturally, + he misunderstood, and fell in step beside her.</p> + + <p>"Are you alone?" he asked, coyly.</p> + + <p>She gave him a direct glance and answered seriously.</p> + + <p>"No. I am walking with my five little brothers and sisters." + He looked at her in such utter amazement that she laughed + again. This time he understood.</p> + + <p>"Good day," said he, and right-about-faced.</p> + + <p>She knew she had plenty of time, so she sauntered into a + bookshop and turned over the new books, thinking that maybe + some day she would come into such a shop and ask for her own + books, or Jarvis's published plays. She chatted with a clerk + for a few minutes, then went back to the avenue, like a needle + to a magnet.</p> + + <p>In and out of shops she went. She looked at hats and frocks, + and touched with envious fingers soft stuffs and laces.</p> + + <p>"Some day," she hummed, "some day!"</p> + + <p>She even turned in at Tiffany's seductive door. Colour was a + madness with her, and her little cries of delight over a + sapphire encouraged a young clerk to take it out of the case + and lay it on the velvet square.</p> + + <p>"Oh, it's so beautiful it hurts!" Bambi exclaimed.</p> + + <p>He smiled at her sympathetically.</p> + + <p>"Magnificent, isn't it? Are you interested in jewels?" he + added.</p> + + <p>"I am interested, but I am not a buyer," she admitted to + him. "I adore colour."</p> + + <p>"Let me show you some things," he said.</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. I mustn't take up your time."</p> + + <p>"That's all right. I have nothing else to do just now."</p> + + <p>So he laid before her enraptured gaze the wealth of the + Indies—the treasure baubles of a hundred + queens—blue and green, and red and yellow, they gleamed + at her. In an instinctive gesture she put out her hand, then + drew it back quickly.</p> + + <p>"Mustn't touch?" she asked, so like a child that he + laughed.</p> + + <p>"Take it up if you like."</p> + + <p>She took the superb emerald. "Do you suppose it knows how + beautiful it is?"</p> + + <p>"It takes a fine colour on your hand. Some people kill + stones, you know. You ought to wear them."</p> + + <p>He told her some of the history of the jewels he showed her. + He explained how stones were judged. He described the + precautions necessary when famous jewels were to be taken from + one place to another. Bambi sat hypnotized, and listened. She + might have spent the entire day there if the man had not been + called by an important customer. "I have been here hours, + haven't I? I feel as if I ought to buy something. Could you + show me something about $1.55?" The man laughed so + spontaneously and Bambi joined him so gayly, that they felt + most friendly.</p> + + <p>"Come in next week. I'll show you a most gorgeous string of + pearls which is coming to be restrung," he said.</p> + + <p>"Oh, thank you. I have had such a good time."</p> + + <p>He took her to the door as if she were a Vanderbilt, and + bowed her out. The carriage man bowed, too, and Bambi felt that + she was getting on.</p> + + <p>This time she loitered no longer. She inspected her address + for the hundredth time, and went to the magazine office, where + she was to find the golden egg. She was impressed by the + elegance of the busy reception room, with its mahogany and good + pictures. She sent her card to the editor and waited fifteen + minutes, then the card bearer returned. She was sorry, but the + editor was extremely occupied this morning. Was there anything + she could do for Mrs. Jocelyn? Bambi's face registered her + disappointment.</p> + + <p>"Would it do any good for me to wait?"</p> + + <p>"Have you a letter of introduction? Mr. Strong seemed not to + know your name."</p> + + <p>"He told me to come."</p> + + <p>"Told you? How do you mean?"</p> + + <p>Bambi offered the letter to her. As she read it her face + changed.</p> + + <p>"Oh, are you the girl who won the prize?" Bambi nodded.</p> + + <p>"You are?" she protested her amazement.</p> + + <p>"I'm just as surprised as you are," Bambi assured her.</p> + + <p>"Of course Mr. Strong will see you. He didn't understand." + She was off in great haste, and back in a jiffy.</p> + + <p>"Come right in," she invited.</p> + + <p>Bambi wanted to run. Her breath came in little, short gasps. + She wished she could take hold of the other girl's hand and + hold on tight. A door stood open into an outside office, and + several clerks stared at her. The sanctum door was open.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Strong, this is Mrs. Jocelyn," said her guide, and the + door closed behind her. A tall, pleasant-faced young man rose + and tried to cover his surprise.</p> + + <p>"How do you do?" he said cordially, with outstretched + hand.</p> + + <p>Bambi laid hers in it.</p> + + <p>"I'm frightened to death," she answered.</p> + + <p>"Frightened—of me?"</p> + + <p>"Well, not you, exactly, but editorism." He laughed.</p> + + <p>"I can match amazement with your terror, then. You are a + surprise."</p> + + <p>"You are disappointed in me," she said quickly.</p> + + <p>"I expected a—a—well, a bigger woman, and + older."</p> + + <p>"I see. You didn't expect a half portion?"</p> + + <p>"Exactly," he smiled. "Well, we were extremely interested in + your story."</p> + + <p>"I am so glad."</p> + + <p>"What else have you done?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing."</p> + + <p>"That your first story?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"How did you happen to write it, Mrs. Jocelyn?"</p> + + <p>"I am looking for a career," she began, but his surprised + glance stopped her. "You see I ought to dance. That's what the + Lord intended me to do. I can dance."</p> + + <p>"I can imagine that."</p> + + <p>"But dancing would take me away from home so much, and the + 'Heavenly Twins' need me so."</p> + + <p>"Twins? You haven't twins!"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Oh, no, not real ones, but my father and Jarvis."</p> + + <p>"Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"Jarvis is a poet and a dreamer."</p> + + <p>"Is Jarvis a friend?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no, I am married to him. They are both so helpless. My + father is a mathematician. I have to take care of them both, + you see."</p> + + <p>"You mean in a financial way?"</p> + + <p>"My father makes a fair income, and of course Jarvis may + sell his plays, but when I married him I expected to support + him."</p> + + <p>"He is delicate, I suppose?"</p> + + <p>She laughed.</p> + + <p>"He's six feet and over, wide and strong as a + battleship."</p> + + <p>"And he expects you to support him?"</p> + + <p>"No. He protests, but you see I took a sort of advantage of + him when I married him. He didn't want to marry me."</p> + + <p>"You are a most extraordinary young woman," remarked Mr. + Strong.</p> + + <p>"Oh, no, I am usual enough. I help Jarvis with his plays, + and what I say seems to have sense. Do you know?"</p> + + <p>"I do."</p> + + <p>"So just for fun I wrote the story, and just for fun I sent + it to your contest."</p> + + <p>"Well, just for fun we gave you the prize."</p> + + <p>She laughed.</p> + + <p>"We want a whole series of tales about that girl. She's + new."</p> + + <p>"How many is a series?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, eight or ten, if you have material enough."</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes, I live—I mean I get material all the + time."</p> + + <p>"What do you want for them?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I'd like a lot for them. New York is full of things I + want."</p> + + <p>He laughed again.</p> + + <p>"We could give you $150 a story. That would be $1,500 for + the ten. Then, eventually, we would make a book of them, and + you would get 10 per cent. on that."</p> + + <p>"A book? A book, with illustrations, and covers, and + all?"</p> + + <p>He nodded. "Are those terms satisfactory?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, mercy, yes. It sounds like a fortune!"</p> + + <p>"When could you begin, Mrs. Jocelyn?"</p> + + <p>"Right away, to-day!"</p> + + <p>"Well, that will hardly be necessary. If you send copy to us + by the fifth, that will be soon enough."</p> + + <p>"All right. Jarvis is selling a play to-day, so probably we + will be rich shortly."</p> + + <p>"To whom is Mr. Jocelyn selling his play?"</p> + + <p>"Belasco."</p> + + <p>"So! That's fine! You'll never have to support him, at that + rate."</p> + + <p>"He doesn't know about my getting the prize and coming to + see you, and all. I want to keep it a secret for a time."</p> + + <p>"I understand."</p> + + <p>"It would be rather awful for me to be famous first."</p> + + <p>"I don't know about that. It would be selfish of your + husband to stand in your way."</p> + + <p>"Oh, Jarvis is selfish. He's utterly, absorbedly selfish, + but not just that way. He'd never stand in my way."</p> + + <p>"I'd like to meet Jarvis."</p> + + <p>"Well, when the secret is out I'll bring him here. He's + unusual, Jarvis is. Some day he'll be great."</p> + + <p>"He is in luck to be Mr. to your Mrs."</p> + + <p>She flushed furiously.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I think he is," she admitted, as she rose.</p> + + <p>"How long are you to be in New York?"</p> + + <p>"As long as your five hundred holds out."</p> + + <p>"You must come in again. If I can be of any use to you, + while you are here, give you letters to anybody, have you meet + people, I'll be delighted to do so."</p> + + <p>"You're a very nice man," said she. "You have removed the + ban from the whole tribe of editors in twenty minutes' + talk."</p> + + <p>"That's a tribute worth living for. It has been a delightful + twenty minutes. Come in again."</p> + + <p>Out in the office, and in the impressive reception room, + interested faces turned toward her. The girl who had acted + sponsor for her nodded. She tasted the first fruits of success, + and they were sweet. The only imperfection was the fact she + could not tell Jarvis. She could not brag of her triumphs nor + repeat the friendly chat with Mr. Strong. It would be such fun + to see his surprise at the news—he had so lately + patronized her. "You are not the stuff of which creative + artists are made, of course."</p> + + <p>Tra-la-la! She'd make him eat those words.</p> + + <p>Then she began at once to do the next story of the series, + and by the time she reached the club she had it all thought + out. It was then that Jarvis's telephone message came to her, + and she decided that he was even now reading his play aloud to + Belasco; that he, too, had found a golden key.</p> + + <p>She worked on the new story all the afternoon, and waited + for Jarvis's triumphant return, in a seventh heaven of joyous + anticipation.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>IX</h2> + + <p>Jarvis marshalled his reluctant feet into "Forward, March!" + down the hall, and trod softly in the hope that he could get + past Bambi's door; but at his first step on the corridor it was + flung open, and the small figure silhouetted against the light + of the room behind.</p> + + <p>"You read him the play?"</p> + + <p>He led her gently into the room, closed the door, and faced + her.</p> + + <p>"Jarvis, he refused it?" she cried.</p> + + <p>"I have spent seven hours sitting in an anteroom with a + blond steno, waiting. Nobody has been near, all day, excepting + fat old girls and Billy boys, looking for jobs."</p> + + <p>"Belasco didn't come?"</p> + + <p>"He did not. What's more, he sometimes does not come for + days."</p> + + <p>"Couldn't they send him word you were there?"</p> + + <p>Even Jarvis smiled at this.</p> + + <p>"My dear, they treated me with the same consideration + afforded the janitor. It occurred to me, during those seven + hours of enforced thought, that our ideas of the simplicity of + selling a play were a trifle arrogant. It seems to have + unforeseen complications."</p> + + <p>Bambi sat down on the bed, her brow knitted.</p> + + <p>"Seven hours sitting? That's awful!"</p> + + <p>"The blond young woman suggested a letter of introduction or + an appointment, but I don't know any one to give me a letter. I + doubt if he will give me the appointment without it."</p> + + <p>"I can get it for you!" she said.</p> + + <p>"You can? Where? How?"</p> + + <p>"I know a way. Never you mind."</p> + + <p>"I was afraid you would be so disappointed I was tempted not + to come back at all," he remarked.</p> + + <p>"Disappointed? Not I! Why, we can wait seven years, if need + be. In the end we will win."</p> + + <p>"You are a very good sport, Miss Mite."</p> + + <p>"I are," laughed she. "I am a very able woman, Jarvis. Some + day you will be proud of me."</p> + + <p>"You are a terrible egotist," he objected.</p> + + <p>"If I didn't believe in myself, where would I be? You and + father scarcely notice me."</p> + + <p>"I'm beginning to notice you," Jarvis interrupted. "I was + really surprised to find how concerned I was not to disappoint + you."</p> + + <p>"That was nice of you, Jarvis," she beamed at him.</p> + + <p>"Don't do that," he said sharply.</p> + + <p>"Do what?"</p> + + <p>"Smile like a cat at a mouse," he said.</p> + + <p>"I intended that for a grateful smile."</p> + + <p>"It didn't turn out that. It was possessive. If I can't be + friendly with you without your over-occupying my thoughts, I + shall ignore you."</p> + + <p>"You mustn't worry about liking me, Jarvis. It's inevitable. + People always like me. I become a necessity, like salt and + pepper. Just accept me cheerfully, for here I am."</p> + + <p>He looked at her, frowning.</p> + + <p>"Yes, there you are."</p> + + <p>"That scowl is very becoming to you. You look like an angry + viking."</p> + + <p>"I am in no good mood to play."</p> + + <p>"Oh, very well, Grandfather Grunt. I had such a nice day. + Why don't you ask me about it?"</p> + + <p>"I should be interested to hear what you did."</p> + + <p>"Your manners are painful but impeccable," she laughed. + "Well, I flittered and fluttered up and down the avenue, like a + distracted butterfly. I spent a few hours in Tiffany's with + such a pleasant man."</p> + + <p>"Who was he?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know. He was a clerk there. I went in to look at + jewels."</p> + + <p>"What for?"</p> + + <p>"Just for the joy of it."</p> + + <p>"And a clerk spent two hours with you?"</p> + + <p>She nodded.</p> + + <p>"But why?"</p> + + <p>"Because I'm so charming, stupid. He asked me to come in + next week to see some famous pearls. I also inspected a + bookshop. I asked about the sale of published plays. I thought + we might make your things into a book."</p> + + <p>"If Broadway doesn't want them?"</p> + + <p>"Better still if Broadway does."</p> + + <p>"Do you always go about making acquaintances?" he + inquired.</p> + + <p>"Always. People like to talk to me. I look so + inoffensive."</p> + + <p>He smiled at her saucy, tip-tilted face.</p> + + <p>"Any more adventures?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. A gay old man asked me if I was alone?"</p> + + <p>"What?" he exploded.</p> + + <p>"He did. He liked my looks enormously. I could see it."</p> + + <p>"Did you call a policeman?"</p> + + <p>"Not I. Do you think I am a 'bitty-lum'?"</p> + + <p>"A what?" he asked.</p> + + <blockquote> + "Once a pig molicepan,<br> + Saw a bitty-lum,<br> + Sitting on a surbcone,<br> + Chewing gubber rum.<br> + Hi, said the molicepan,<br> + Will you sim me gome?<br> + Tinny on your nintype,<br> + Said the bitty-lum." + </blockquote> + + <p>"How old <i>are</i> you?" inquired Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"Well, I've got all my teeth."</p> + + <p>"What did you do with the old masher?"</p> + + <p>"I squelched him."</p> + + <p>"Did he go away?"</p> + + <p>She nodded.</p> + + <p>"You must be more careful on the streets, Bambi. People + misunderstand you."</p> + + <p>"Well, I can always explain myself," she added, + laughing.</p> + + <p>"Then what did you do?"</p> + + <p>"More or less directly, I came here, and lunched, in the + conviction that you were closeted with Belasco. Did you have + any lunch?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. The blond one drove me out for half an hour."</p> + + <p>"I should have gone with you."</p> + + <p>"Why?"</p> + + <p>"I would never sit anywhere seven hours."</p> + + <p>"What would you have done?"</p> + + <p>"Gone to Belasco's house, or telephoned something startling + that would have brought him down quickly."</p> + + <p>"For instance?"</p> + + <p>"Well, that the theatre was on fire."</p> + + <p>"But when he got there?"</p> + + <p>"I'd have made him see it was a joke."</p> + + <p>"Maybe he hasn't that kind of a sense of humour?"</p> + + <p>"Then I should have perished bravely."</p> + + <p>So the incidents of their first day's careering ended + jocularly.</p> + + <p>Bambi called Mr. Strong on the wire next day, and told him + of Jarvis's unprofitable sitting. Could he get her a letter to + Belasco? Or to any other leading manager? He laughed, said he + did not know Belasco, but thought he could arrange it for her. + He promised to send a letter to the club.</p> + + <p>With this assurance to fall back upon, she persuaded Jarvis + to go to the office of one of the newer managers who seemed to + be of an open mind in regard to untried playwrights. She showed + him a magazine article about this "live wire," named over his + productions, and repeated his cordial invitation to new + writers.</p> + + <p>Jarvis set forth reluctantly. He liked salesman work as + little as he had expected to. But he felt he owed some effort + to Bambi, since he was her guest, and her mind was so set on + his success.</p> + + <p>This time the cheeky-faced office boy admitted that the + manager was in. He accepted and scrutinized Jarvis's card with + disdain, but on his return from the inner office he ejaculated, + "Wait!" So Jarvis sat down for his second endurance feat. The + same Johnnies and Billies and Fays came to this office in their + endless seeking. He began to vision the great, ceaseless army + of them "making the rounds," as they call it, often hungry and + tired. They were most of them uneducated, you could tell by + their speech, for all their long "a's" and short "r's." That + they were physically unadapted to the profession was obvious + enough in many cases. They were probably badly trained. How did + they live? Where did they go? They began to haunt him.</p> + + <p>He was interrupted by hearing his name called. He rose + mechanically, and followed the boy into a very large and ornate + office. A fat Jewish man, in loud clothes, a brown derby hat, + and a cigar, sat at a desk, dictating.</p> + + <p>"H'are ye?" he ejaculated as Jarvis entered. He went on + dictating and smoking, until Jarvis finally interrupted him, + saying he wanted to see the manager. The fat man glared at + him.</p> + + <p>"Sit down until I get through!" he shouted. "I'm the + manager."</p> + + <p>Jarvis took a chair and looked at the man closely. What + would such a creature find in his play, with its roots in a + modern condition, no more grasped by this man than by Professor + Parkhurst? The absurdity of the idea struck Jarvis so forcibly + that he laughed out loud.</p> + + <p>"Let's have it, if it's any good," said the fat man.</p> + + <p>"I beg your pardon," Jarvis replied.</p> + + <p>The manager dismissed the stenographer, took up Jarvis's + card, looked at it, and then at his victim.</p> + + <p>"Jarvis Jocelyn," he read. "Good stage name. What's your + line, Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"I've come to see you about a play."</p> + + <p>"Oh, you're a writer? What have you done?"</p> + + <p>"Several plays, and some poetry."</p> + + <p>"Nix on the poetry. Who brought out the plays?"</p> + + <p>"Nobody yet. I am just beginning to offer them."</p> + + <p>"What sort of stuff is it?"</p> + + <p>"It's a dramatic handling of the feminist movement."</p> + + <p>"What's that?"</p> + + <p>"The emancipation of woman."</p> + + <p>"I hadn't heard about it. Is your stuff funny?"</p> + + <p>"No. It is a serious presentation of an unique + revolution——"</p><a name="Fig04"></a> + + <div class="figure" + style="width: 548px;"> + <img src="illustrations/Fig04.jpg" + width="500" + height="350" + alt=""><br> + + + <p class="caption">"WELL, BELIEVE ME, THAT HIGH-BROW STUFF + IS ON THE TOBOGGAN."</p> + </div><br> + + + <p>"Well, believe me, that high-brow stuff is on the toboggan. + I knew it couldn't last. I gave it to them when they demanded + it, but I am cutting it out now. Haven't you got a good + melodrama, or a funny show?"</p> + + <p>"I have not," superbly.</p> + + <p>"Say, do you know any Jews? I got a great idea for a Jew + play that would take like the measles if some fellow would work + it up. Pile of money in it."</p> + + <p>Jarvis rose, furious.</p> + + <p>"It is so apparent that we have nothing to say to each other + that I'll bid you good morning."</p> + + <p>"If you fellows who come in here from the country to run + Broadway could put <i>yourselves</i> in a show, it would be the + scream of the town," said the fat man in Jarvis's wake.</p> + + <p>"I'd rather starve than endure a pig like you!" cried + Jarvis, as he fled.</p> + + <p>The fat man's laugh followed him to the street. He hated + himself, and the whole situation. It galled him to think he had + deliberately submitted himself to such treatment. Even Bambi + could not expect it of him,—to set him to sell his dreams + in such a market. He charged down Broadway, clearing a wake as + wide as a battleship in action. He saw red. He was unconscious + of people. He only felt the animus of the atmosphere, the sense + of things tugging at him, which had to be cast off. Why was he + here? He wanted the quiet, the open stretches, and his own free + thoughts. What turn of the wheel had brought him into this + maelstrom? Bambi! The old story, Samson and Delilah! He had + visioned great things. She had shorn him, and pushed him into a + net of circumstances. He would not endure it. He would sweep + her out of his life, and be about his work.</p> + + <p>He was disappointed to find her out when he returned to the + club. He had his opening speech all ready and it was annoying + to have his scene delayed. He raged about, to keep his wrath + hot, until she came. "Greeting," she began; then saw his face, + and added, "Jungle beast!"</p> + + <p>"I'll not stay here another day!" he cried.</p> + + <p>"You saw the manager?"</p> + + <p>"He asked me if the stuff was funny! He invited me to write + a Jew play, and make a pot of money! He said 'Nix on the + high-brow stuff,' and never heard of the feminist movement," he + blurted out in one breath.</p> + + <p>She sat down under the onslaught, trying to arrange her + rebellious features.</p> + + <p>" 'Nix on the high-brow stuff.' To me!" he repeated.</p> + + <p>Bambi gave up. She rolled on the bed, and laughed.</p> + + <p>Jarvis raged the room up and down. There was no gleam of + humour in it for him. When her paroxysm had passed, she sat up + and looked at him.</p> + + <p>"Poor old Knight with the Broken Lance," she said. "It's + tough, but it had to be done."</p> + + <p>"What had to be done?"</p> + + <p>"This morning's work. It was part of your training. You must + know just what the situation is here, in the market-place."</p> + + <p>"But there is no place for me here."</p> + + <p>"After two days' failure, you give up?"</p> + + <p>"I told you I couldn't sell my things. They are too + good."</p> + + <p>"That's rubbish. Nothing you, nor I, nor any other human can + think, is too good. If we have big thoughts, and want to tell + them to our brothers who speak another tongue, if we have the + brains, we must learn their tongue, not hope for them to + acquire ours. That is what I hoped you would see."</p> + + <p>"You think I've got to learn the Broadway lingo?"</p> + + <p>"I do. If you have anything to say, Broadway needs it."</p> + + <p>"I can't translate what I want to say into that speech."</p> + + <p>"But you can. It will mean hard work, hard work and + heartache, and disappointment, but you can do it, because you + have the soul stuff of a great man."</p> + + <p>Her eyes shone now, misted with feeling. He saw again his + multitudes flocking to him in the wilderness. He saw them + aroused, revived, triumphant over life through him.</p> + + <p>"Will you help me?" he cried to her. It was his first + uttered need of her, and her heart beat high in response.</p> + + <p>"I will, if you will let me, Jack o' Dreams."</p> + + <p>"Don't let me give up! Don't let me lose heart!"</p> + + <p>"No, I won't. I'll push, or haul you, to the top!"</p> + + <p>"I came to scoff, and I stay to pray," said Jarvis, + cryptically. "God bless you, Bambi!" he added, as he left + her.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>X</h2> + + <p>No letter from Mr. Strong arrived in the morning's mail, so + Bambi induced Jarvis to go over to the Cubist show, by himself, + on the plea that she had a headache. He went, most willingly, + anywhere, except Broadway.</p> + + <p>The minute he was out of the way her languid, headachey + manner changed to one of brisk energy. She donned her smartest + frock and hat. She was more earnest in her effort to allure the + eye than she was on the day of her own conquest. "You must look + your best, you little old Bambi, you, and see what you can do + for big Jarvis!"</p> + + <p>After the last nod of approval at her reflected self, she + tucked Jarvis's manuscript under her arm, and started forth. + She had made a close study of all the theatrical columns of the + papers and magazines since their arrival in New York, so she + was beginning to have a formal bowing acquaintance with the + names of the leading managers.</p> + + <p>In spite of her cheerful acceptance of Jarvis's mood of + despair, the day before, she was really deeply touched by it, + and appealed to by his helplessness to cope with the situation. + She remembered her words to her father, "He cannot accommodate + himself to the commercial standards of the times." It was so + true. And was she right in submitting him to them so + ruthlessly? Was she blunting something fine in him by this ugly + picture she was holding up for him to see, of a thoroughly + commercialized drama, the laws and restrictions of which he + must know and conquer, or be silenced? All the mother in her + hated to have him hurt, but the sensible helpmeet part of her + knew that it must be done. Of course he could not be expected + to know how to approach managers, all at once. He was probably + very tactless. He admitted that he had called the enemy of + yesterday a "pig." Naturally that was no way to help his cause. + Perhaps, after this experience, and his new cognizance of + conditions, it would be better for him to write in quiet and + solitude, while she acted as salesman.</p> + + <p>"I'm just plain adventuress enough to love the fight of it," + she admitted to herself as she approached the office she had + selected for her first try. She tripped in, confidently, and + addressed the office boy.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Claghorn in?" she asked.</p> + + <p>"Nope."</p> + + <p>"When do you expect him?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, any time. He's in and out."</p> + + <p>"I'll wait."</p> + + <p>"Probably won't be back until after lunch."</p> + + <p>A railing shut off the hall where she stood from the office + proper, where the boy was on guard. Doors opened off this + central room into the private offices. There were no chairs in + this hall, and the boy made no move to open the railing.</p> + + <p>"Is that large armchair in there rented for the day?" Bambi + inquired.</p> + + <p>"Not so far as I know," he grinned.</p> + + <p>"Does this thing open, or do I have to jump it?" she + smiled.</p> + + <p>"Where are you goin'?"</p> + + <p>"To the large armchair."</p> + + <p>"Welcome to our city," said he, as he lifted the rail. + "Nobody allowed in here except by appointment."</p> + + <p>"That's all right. I understand that," she said + nonchalantly, and sank into the haven of the chair.</p> + + <p>All the details of the office, which bored Jarvis, or which + he entirely failed to see, fascinated Bambi. She set herself to + the subjection of the office boy, by a request for the baseball + score.</p> + + <p>"Say, are you a fan?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Can't you see it in my eye?"</p> + + <p>He was launched. He gave her a minute biographical sketch of + every player on the team, his past and future possibilities. He + went over all the games of the past season, while Bambi turned + an enraptured face upon him.</p> + + <p>He was frequently interrupted by actors and actresses who + came by appointment, or otherwise, and he gave her all the racy + details concerning them at his disposal. By indirection she + obtained a description of Claghorn, so that he might not escape + her if he came in.</p> + + <p>All the actors looked at her with interest, the actresses + with disdain. One whispered to the boy, who shook his head.</p> + + <p>"Say, what you wid?" he asked her later.</p> + + <p>"I don't understand you."</p> + + <p>His look became suspicious. "What show you with?"</p> + + <p>"With 'Success,' " she answered hastily, patting the + manuscript.</p> + + <p>"Roadshow?"</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"Playing New York?"</p> + + <p>"Not yet."</p> + + <p>"Gimme two pasteboards when you come to town. I'd like to + see you."</p> + + <p>"All right. What's your name?"</p> + + <p>"Robert Mantell Moses. I'm going on, in comic opera, some + day."</p> + + <p>"So?" said Bambi.</p> + + <p>"Song and dance. Are you a dancer?"</p> + + <p>"I am."</p> + + <p>"Toe or Tango?"</p> + + <p>"I beg pardon."</p> + + <p>"Toe dancer, or Tango artist?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I do them both."</p> + + <p>"Do you do the Kitchen Sink? And the Wash Tub?"</p> + + <p>Bambi thought fast. "Yes. And the One-legged Smelt. Also the + Jabberwock Jig."</p> + + <p>He inspected her suspiciously.</p> + + <p>"Say, those are new ones on me." "Really?"</p> + + <p>She was thoroughly enjoying herself when the brazen-mouthed + clock twanged twelve.</p> + + <p>"Goodness! Is it as late as that? Claghorn's ins are mostly + outs."</p> + + <p>"Give me that again."</p> + + <p>"You said he was in and out."</p> + + <p>"Nix on the rough stuff."</p> + + <p>"What a lovely phrase! I must tell that to Jarvis."</p> + + <p>"Who's Jarvis? Your steady?"</p> + + <p>"No. He's a—relative by marriage."</p> + + <p>"Nix on the 'in-laws' for me."</p> + + <p>He suddenly straightened up to attention as a big, + fierce-looking man plunged in, nearly demolished the railing in + passage, and made for a door marked "Private."</p> + + <p>"Any mail?" he shouted.</p> + + <p>"No. Lady to see you, sir," the boy replied.</p> + + <p>Bambi rose to meet the foe, who never glanced at her. He + jerked open the door, but he was not quick enough for the + originator of the Jabberwock Jig. Her small foot was slid into + the space between the door and the threshold. It was at the + risk of losing a valuable member, but she was so angry at being + ignored that she never thought of it. When the gentleman found + that the door would not close, he stuck his head out, and + nearly kissed Bambi, whose smiling countenance happened to be + in the way.</p> + + <p>"Well?" he ejaculated.</p> + + <p>"Quite well, thank you," she replied as she slid in the + crack. He looked her over.</p> + + <p>"Where did you come from?" he demanded.</p> + + <p>"I was out there when you swept the horizon with your eye, + but you must have missed me. I didn't run up a flag."</p> + + <p>She was so little and so saucy that he had to smile.</p> + + <p>"What do you want?" he asked directly.</p> + + <p>"I want to talk with you, for about three minutes."</p> + + <p>"I don't engage people for the shows."</p> + + <p>"I don't want a job."</p> + + <p>"Well, what do you want? Talk fast. My time is + precious."</p> + + <p>"I have here a very fine play, called 'Success,' which would + be a good investment for you."</p> + + <p>"Who wrote it?"</p> + + <p>"My husband."</p> + + <p>He glanced at her.</p> + + <p>"I thought child marriage was prohibited in this state."</p> + + <p>She dimpled back at him, deliciously.</p> + + <p>"It is modern, dramatic."</p> + + <p>"Comedy?"</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"Nothing else has much chance. Leave it, and I will read + it."</p> + + <p>"When?"</p> + + <p>"As soon as I can."</p> + + <p>"But we have to go home next Thursday."</p> + + <p>"You don't expect me to read it before then?"</p> + + <p>"Couldn't you?"</p> + + <p>"I wouldn't read Pinero's latest before then."</p> + + <p>"How soon would you read it?"</p> + + <p>"I've got nine productions to look after. I only read on + trains. I'm going to Buffalo to-night."</p> + + <p>"Then you could take it along to-night?" she cried + happily.</p> + + <p>"Say, who let you in here, anyhow?"</p> + + <p>"You did."</p> + + <p>"I've got no time to talk to anybody."</p> + + <p>"I'm not anybody. I'm I. Just promise me you'll read it + to-night and I'll go."</p> + + <p>"Is this it? Name and address on it?"</p> + + <p>She nodded.</p> + + <p>"All right. To-night. Now get out!"</p> + + <p>"Thanks. I've had such a nice call." As she reached the door + he spoke.</p><a name="Fig05"></a> + + <div class="figure" + style="width: 448px;"> + <img src="illustrations/Fig05.jpg" + width="400" + height="560" + alt=""><br> + + + <p class="caption">"TELL YOUR HUSBAND TO PUT YOU IN A PLAY, + AND I'LL PUT IT ON." "MUCH OBLIGED, I'LL TELL HIM. GOOD + MORNING."</p> + </div><br> + + + <p>"Tell your husband to put you in a play and I'll put it + on."</p> + + <p>"Much obliged. I'll tell him. Good morning."</p> + + <p>She made her farewells to Robert Mantell Moses, went out and + down the street. It was definitely settled in her mind that she + was to market Jarvis's wares. She had a gift for it, a + desperate courage in a crisis, that made her do anything to win + her point and get what she came for. Jarvis would, no doubt, be + sitting, still. He was waiting for her at the club.</p> + + <p>"I was getting anxious about you. Did you go to a + doctor?"</p> + + <p>"Doctor?"</p> + + <p>"For your head?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, my head. I'd forgotten all about it. After you left, I + felt so much better that I decided to go out."</p> + + <p>"Looking for more adventures?"</p> + + <p>"I never look for them. They—flock to my standard. No, + I took the play and stormed a manager's office. I saw him, in + spite of himself, and got him to promise to read the play + to-night on the way to Buffalo."</p> + + <p>"Who was he?"</p> + + <p>"Claghorn."</p> + + <p>"How did you get to him?"</p> + + <p>"He ran through the big office into his private one, and was + just about to pull up the drawbridge, when I sprang in after + him."</p> + + <p>"Just tell it to me in plain English, Bambi."</p> + + <p>She described her entrance, with the subjection of the + office boy, the ruse by which she got into the inner office, + her interview with Claghorn, and his subsequent promise.</p> + + <p>"You are a wonder!" he exclaimed. "I never could have + thought of it."</p> + + <p>"I should say you wouldn't. You'd have been sitting there + yet."</p> + + <p>"Did you tell him about the play?"</p> + + <p>"In three minutes? I should say not! I had to cram my words + in, like loading a rapid-fire gun. Pouf! Pouf! And out!"</p> + + <p>"Did he seem intelligent?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, rather. I have decided to see managers after this, + Jarvis. It will be Jocelyn & Co. You do the work and I'll + sell it. It's fun."</p> + + <p>"It's wonderful how the gods look after me," he said.</p> + + <p>"Gods nothing! It's wonderful how I look after you. You can + burn incense to me."</p> + + <p>"I do."</p> + + <p>The play came back shortly, with a brief note from Claghorn. + It had some good points, but it was too serious. Not dramatic + enough. The third act was weak.</p> + + <p>"All the silly asses want me to make them laugh," raged + Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"I am disappointed in my new friend, but the letter to + Belasco is here now, so we'll have a talk with him. Will you + go, or shall I?"</p> + + <p>"I think I'd like to talk with him, and tell him my views," + Jarvis said.</p> + + <p>They sent in the letter, with a request for an interview. In + the course of a few days a reply came saying that Mr. Belasco + had gone West to see a new production, but if Mr. Jocelyn would + send his play to the office it would receive the earliest + possible attention. It was a blow to their hopes, but there was + nothing else to do, so they dispatched it by messenger.</p> + + <p>"I think, maybe, we had better plan to go back home + to-morrow, and wait the decision there. The money is vanishing, + and I am getting anxious about the Professor. He forgets to + write anything of importance."</p> + + <p>"All right. I'll be glad to go back."</p> + + <p>"Let's go shop this afternoon, and take the morning train + to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"Good. Suits me."</p> + + <p>"What shall I take the Professor? I've thought and thought. + He's so hard to shop for."</p> + + <p>"Get him an adding machine!"</p> + + <p>Bambi withered him.</p> + + <p>"He would disinherit me on the spot. That's like sending + Paderewski a pianola."</p> + + <p>"We must get something for Ardelia, too."</p> + + <p>"I got her a red dress, a red hat, a salmon-pink waist, and + handkerchiefs with a coloured border."</p> + + <p>Once their thoughts turned toward the little house, and the + arithmetical garden, they were anxious to get back. Their + shopping tour was a gay affair, because it was their last + outing.</p> + + <p>"Don't you feel differently about New York?" she asked him + as they walked back. "It seems to me like a fascinating new + friend I have made. I am sorry to leave it."</p> + + <p>"I'm not. I'm not made for cities. People interest me for a + while, then I forget them, and they are always under foot, in + places like this. I trip over them, and they interrupt my + thoughts."</p> + + <p>"I'm so glad you are true to type," she smiled up at + him.</p> + + <p>"I'm deeply grateful and appreciative of your bringing me + here," he added awkwardly.</p> + + <p>"That was out of character, Jarvis. A month ago you would + have taken it as your right."</p> + + <p>"I'm beginning to realize that others may have rights, that + even you may have some, Miss Mite."</p> + + <p>"Never fear. I'll protect mine," she boasted.</p> + + <p>On the morrow they turned their faces toward home and the + Professor.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XI</h2> + + <p>"It looks very out-of-the-worldly, doesn't it?" Bambi said + as they came in sight of home.</p> + + <p>"It looks like Paradise to me," sighed Jarvis, holding open + the gate for her.</p> + + <p>"Enter Eve, dragging the serpent," she laughed as she passed + in. "Eve never played in an arithmetical garden," she added. + "If she had, there would probably have been no immortal + fall."</p> + + <p>"The number eights look tired," Jarvis commented, ignoring + her witticism.</p> + + <p>She spied the Professor afar sitting at work on the piazza. + She flew along the path and burst in upon him.</p> + + <p>"Daddy!" she cried, and enveloped him. His astonishment was + poignant.</p> + + <p>"My dear," he said, "my dear. Why, I must have forgotten + that you were coming. I would have been at the station."</p> + + <p>"I knew you'd forget, so I didn't bother you with it. How + are you? Have you been lonesome? Did you miss us? Where's + Ardelia?" all in a breath. The Professor smiled.</p> + + <p>"Question one, I am well. Two, I cannot say that I have been + lonesome. Three, I did not miss you. Four, Ardelia is in the + kitchen. How are you, Jarvis?" he added as his son-in-law + appeared.</p> + + <p>"I am well, sir. I trust you are the same."</p> + + <p>"Thank you. I enjoy good health."</p> + + <p>"Stop it! Sounds like the first aid to manners. Here's + Ardelia. Well, how do you do?"</p> + + <p>Ardelia's face was decorated with a most expansive grin.</p> + + <p>"Howdy, Miss Bambi? Howdy, Massa Jarvis? I sho'r am glad to + see you folks home again." She shook hands with both of + them.</p> + + <p>"How's everything, Ardelia?"</p> + + <p>"All right, Miss. Eberything is all right. We got 'long fine + together, the Perfessor and me. We des went about forgettin' + eberyting and habin' a mighty comfortable time. Did you all + have a good time on your honeymoon?"</p> + + <p>"Fine," said Bambi. "We brought you some presents, that will + make your eyes ache, and, 'Delia, we're famished."</p> + + <p>"Dog's foot! Heah I stan' a-gassin' and a-talkin' and you + all hungry as wolfses." She hurried off, muttering.</p> + + <p>Jarvis and Bambi sat down.</p> + + <p>"Isn't there something you want to tell me? I can't just + remember what you went to New York for?"</p> + + <p>"We went to sell my play," Jarvis prompted.</p> + + <p>"To be sure. It had escaped me for a moment. Were you + successful?"</p> + + <p>"We were not."</p> + + <p>"Oh, Jarvis, how can you say that? We don't know yet. + Belasco is considering it."</p> + + <p>"What is this Belasco?"</p> + + <p>Bambi looked at Jarvis, and they both laughed.</p> + + <p>"Isn't he refreshing?" she remarked. "I've thought for two + weeks in terms of managers. They fill the universe. They are + the gods. Their nod is life or death, and now my nearest + relative says, 'What is Belasco?' "</p> + + <p>"It's a sort of meat sauce, isn't it?"</p> + + <p>Consternation on both their faces, then an outburst from + Bambi.</p> + + <p>"No, no! That's tabasco, you dear, blessed innocent."</p> + + <p>"Belasco is one of the leading managers in New York, + Professor," explained Jarvis, patiently. "He is as well known + as Pierpont Morgan or Theodore Roosevelt."</p> + + <p>"Indeed! Well, I am not surprised at my ignorance. I have no + interest in present-day drama. It is degenerate mush."</p> + + <p>"Have you seen anything, since 'Uncle Tom's Cabin'?" Jarvis + inquired.</p> + + <p>"I have seen 'The Second Mrs. Tanqueray,' " he replied + conclusively.</p> + + <p>"That was considered strong meat in its day, but now we have + 'Damaged Goods,' " mused Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"And what are 'Damaged Goods'?" inquired the Professor.</p> + + <p>"What are Yonkers? Don't tell him, Jarvis—he's too + young to know. It's an ugly modern play. We saw some things you + might have enjoyed. Oh, I often wished for you."</p> + + <p>"Thank you, my dear, but I have no desire to enter that + cauldron of humanity."</p> + + <p>"I agree with you, Professor Parkhurst."</p> + + <p>"That is a rare occurrence, I may say," answered the + Professor, with a twinkle.</p> + + <p>"Thank goodness, you have me to prod you into life. You + would both sit in your dens and figure and write until you + blinked like owls in the night. I have stored up energy enough, + from these two weeks in the cauldron, to run me for months. I + didn't miss one thing, ugly or beautiful. I shall use it + all."</p> + + <p>"Use it? How use it, my dear?"</p> + + <p>"In my thoughts, my opinions, my life."</p> + + <p>"Dear me!" said her father, staring at her. "What odd things + you say!"</p> + + <p>"It's true, what she says," Jarvis ejaculated. "She rolled + New York up on reels, like a moving-picture show, and I have no + doubt she could give us a very good performance."</p> + + <p>"I shall," quoth Bambi.</p> + + <p>"It is rather a pity you waste your impressions, Bambi. Why + don't you write them down?" Jarvis patronized.</p> + + <p>"In a young lady's diary, I suppose. No, thanks."</p> + + <p>"One author in a family is enough," commented the Professor, + heartily.</p> + + <p>"You ought to tell us your conclusion about your career. Did + you settle it in your mind?"</p> + + <p>"I did."</p> + + <p>"A career?" anxiously, from Professor Parkhurst.</p> + + <p>"Yes, wealth and fame are in my grasp."</p> + + <p>"You haven't done anything rash, my dear?"</p> + + <p>"Well, slightly rash, but not the rashest I could do."</p> + + <p>"Is it dancing?" from Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"Of a sort."</p> + + <p>"Not public dancing?"</p> + + <p>"No, private," she giggled.</p> + + <p>"Will it take you away much?" Jarvis asked her.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I'll go to New York occasionally."</p> + + <p>"It is to be a secret, I take it?" the Professor said.</p> + + <p>"It is, old Sherlock Holmes."</p> + + <p>They slipped back into their routine of life as if it had + never been broken. Jarvis, after two perturbed days of + restlessness, went into a work fit over a new play. The + Professor was busy with final examinations, so Bambi was left + alone with plenty of leisure in which to do her next story.</p> + + <p>She wisely decided to write herself—in other words, to + dramatize her own experiences, to draw on her emotions, her own + views of life. She must leave it to Jarvis to rouse and stir + people. She would be content to amuse and charm them. So she + boldly called her tale by her own name, "Francesca," and she + shamelessly introduced the Professor and Jarvis, with a thin + disguise, and chortled over their true likeness after she had + dipped them in the solution of her imagination. She relied on + the fact that neither of them ever looked between the covers of + a magazine. Besides, even if they chanced upon the story, they + would never recognize their own portraits.</p><a name= + "Fig06"></a> + + <div class="figure" + style="width: 398px;"> + <img src="illustrations/Fig06.jpg" + width="350" + height="401" + alt=""><br> + + + <p class="caption">HER TALE HAD THE PLACE OF HONOUR AND WAS + ILLUSTRATED BY JAMES MONTGOMERY FLAGG, THE SUPREME DESIRE + OF EVERY YOUNG WRITER.</p> + </div><br> + + + <p>A few days before the prize story was published, a special + copy came to her from Mr. Strong. She hid it until the "Twins" + were gone. Then she hurried out to the piazza and the hammock + with it. It was a thrilling moment. "Prize Story by a Wonderful + New Writer" stared up at her from the front page. Her tale had + the place of honour in the makeup, and it was + illustrated—double-page illustrations—by James + Montgomery Flagg, the supreme desire of every young writer. She + hugged the magazine. She scanned it over and over. She laid it + on the table, picked it up casually, and turned to the first + story indifferently, just to squeeze the full joy out of it. + Then she pounded a pile of pillows into shape, drew her feet up + under her, and began to read her own work. She smiled a good + deal, she chuckled, finally she laughed outright, hugging + herself. At this unfortunate moment Jarvis appeared. She looked + as guilty as a detected criminal.</p> + + <p>"What's the joke?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I was laughing at a story in here."</p> + + <p>"How can you read that trash?"</p> + + <p>"It isn't trash. It's perfectly delightful."</p> + + <p>"What is it?" He came nearer to her, and she clutched the + magazine tightly.</p> + + <p>"Oh, just a prize story."</p> + + <p>"A prize story? And funny enough to make you laugh? Not O. + Henry?"</p> + + <p>"Of course not. He's dead. A new writer, it says."</p> + + <p>He held out his hands for it, and, perforce, she resigned it + to him.</p> + + <p>"Francesca!" he exclaimed.</p> + + <p>"Odd, isn't it? That's what attracted me to it," Bambi + lied.</p> + + <p>"Well, I suppose there are other Francescas. I came to ask + you to listen to a scenario."</p> + + <p>"Good! I shall be delighted," she replied cordially, folding + the magazine over her finger.</p> + + <p>So the fatal moment came and passed. Her secret was safe. + She kept the cherished magazine in her own room, read and + reread it, patting its cover, as one would a curly head.</p> + + <p>Upon the receipt of her second story came a telegram from + Strong, "Can you see me on Thursday? New plan for stories. + Arrive in Sunnyside ten in the morning." She wired him to come, + then sat down to work up an explanation of him for the + "Heavenly Twins." He would be there for lunch—he must be + accounted for. She discarded several plans, and finally decided + to introduce him as the brother of a college classmate, in town + for the day. She would get rid of the family speedily, so that + she and Mr. Strong might have time for the conference. What on + earth did he want to see her about? It must be important, to + bring him from New York. Maybe he was disappointed with the + second story, and wanted to break the contract. It was his kind + way to come and say it, instead of writing it, but it was a + blow. She had felt that the second tale was so much better than + the first. She went over it, in her mind, trying to pick flaws + in it. Well, she could always go to dancing, if everything else + failed.</p> + + <p>At lunch she casually remarked, "Richard Strong is coming to + lunch on Thursday. I hope you will both be here."</p> + + <p>"Who may Richard Strong be?" inquired her father.</p> + + <p>"He is the brother of an old classmate, Mary Strong."</p> + + <p>"Does he live here?" Jarvis asked.</p> + + <p>"No. He lives in New York."</p> + + <p>"What brings him to Sunnyside?"</p> + + <p>"He didn't say."</p> + + <p>"I never heard of him before," Professor Parkhurst said.</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. I used to talk about him a great deal. He's a fine + fellow."</p> + + <p>"Was he a special friend?" Jarvis asked, roused to some + interest.</p> + + <p>Bambi hesitated. She was getting in deeper than she + planned.</p> + + <p>"Yes, rather special. Not intimate, but special."</p> + + <p>"What is his business?" asked her father.</p> + + <p>"I don't remember."</p> + + <p>"Rich idler, I suppose," Jarvis scorned.</p> + + <p>"He used to work when I knew him."</p> + + <p>"Well, we shall be glad to see the young man. Would you like + me to change off my afternoon classes and remain at home?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. Don't think of it!" Bambi cried, with + unpremeditated warmth, which focussed Jarvis's eyes upon her. + "He'll be here only a little while, and we will reminisce. He + would bore you to death."</p> + + <p>"I like to be cordial to your beaus."</p> + + <p>"Professor Parkhurst, I am a married woman."</p> + + <p>"Dear me, so you are. I am always forgetting Jarvis. If he + is a bore, I'll lunch at the club."</p> + + <p>"Possibly you would prefer me to lunch out, too," said + Jarvis, pointedly.</p> + + <p>"Not at all. I want you both here," said Bambi, with + irritation, closing the incident. She had a feeling that she + had not handled the situation as well as she had planned to + do.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XII</h2> + + <p>Thursday, and Mr. Strong arrived with the inevitableness of + dreaded events. Bambi felt convinced that his coming meant the + premature death of her new-born career, so, naturally, she was + prepared for grief. An element of amusement was added, however, + by Jarvis's astonishing behaviour. Ever since the first mention + of Mr. Strong's name he had shown unmistakable signs of dislike + for that gentleman. 'It was the most remarkable revelation of + his strange character. Having totally ignored Bambi himself, it + distressed him to think of any other man being attracted by + her. His references to Mr. Strong's coming were many and + satirical. This display of manly inconsistency was nuts and ale + to Bambi. She wondered how much Mr. Strong would play up, and + she decided to give Jarvis Jocelyn an uncomfortable hour. She + herself was an adept in amatory science, but she was a trifle + unsure of Mr. Strong. However, she remembered a certain twinkle + in his eye that augured well.</p> + + <p>Because it was necessary to enlighten him as to the + situation in advance, she arrayed herself most carefully to go + and meet him. She encountered Jarvis on the stairs. He + inspected her charming self, in a frock the colour of spring + green leaves, topped by a crocus-coloured hat, like a flower. + She deliberately pranced before him.</p> + + <p>"Aren't I a delight to the eye?"</p> + + <p>He stared at her coldly.</p> + + <p>"Such ardent admiration embarrasses me, Jarvis," she + protested.</p> + + <p>"You look very nice," he admitted.</p> + + <p>"Nice! Nice! I look like a daffodil, or a crocus, or some + other pleasant spring beauty."</p> + + <p>"I am glad you are so pleased with yourself. I trust Strong + will be equally appreciative."</p> + + <p>"I hope so when I have gone to so much trouble for him," she + tossed back over her shoulder, in punishment.</p> + + <p>As Mr. Strong stepped off the train and faced her, it would + be hard to say whether admiration or astonishment constituted + the greater part of his expression.</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Jocelyn, why this is too kind of you!"</p> + + <p>"Not at all. City people are so unused to our devious + country ways that I was afraid you would get lost."</p> + + <p>Admiration was certainly on top now.</p> + + <p>"If you don't mind, we will walk. It isn't far."</p> + + <p>"The farther the better," he replied gallantly.</p> + + <p>They set forth, down the shady village street, where the + trees almost met overhead. Strong drew in deep breaths of the + fresh morning air. His eyes kept returning to the little French + figure at his side, so metropolitan, and yet so much the + dominant note in any setting in which he had seen her. She + chattered on, about the town, the university, and the + sights.</p> + + <p>"I refrain from pointing out the town hall, and the Carnegie + Library," she said.</p> + + <p>"I am grateful," he bowed.</p> + + <p>"Are you married?" she darted at him, out of their + impersonality.</p> + + <p>"No, alas!"</p> + + <p>"That helps a little."</p> + + <p>His surprise was evident.</p> + + <p>"I'm afraid I've got you into rather a box."</p> + + <p>"I don't mind, if you will play Pandora."</p> + + <p>"Thanks. You remember that I told you that my—my + career was to be a secret from the 'Heavenly Twins'?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"I suppose my career is about over, but I don't want them to + know about it."</p> + + <p>"Excuse me. What's that—about your career being + over?"</p> + + <p>"That's why you've come, isn't it? You didn't like the last + story?"</p> + + <p>He stared at her, and then burst out laughing.</p> + + <p>"You thought I would come way out here from New York to tell + you I didn't like it?"</p> + + <p>"I have a high opinion of your kindness," she nodded.</p> + + <p>"You nice little girl!" he added impetuously. "I came partly + because I wanted to talk to you again, partly because I wanted + to see Jarvis and the Professor."</p> + + <p>She smiled and nodded encouragement.</p> + + <p>"Then, too, we've had such a raft of letters about the + 'Francesca' story that I want to talk to you about making a + novel of it, to run serially, instead of the short stories we + arranged for."</p> + + <p>"A novel? You want me to write a novel?"</p> + + <p>"We do."</p> + + <p>"But I wonder if I could?" she said, in an awed voice.</p> + + <p>"Of course you could. The second story was ripping."</p> + + <p>"Was it? Was it?" She clapped her hands joyously.</p> + + <p>"We can use it as Chapter Two, with very few changes, and + from now on you can build your story about the characters you + have introduced, with a spinal cord of plot to give it + shape."</p> + + <p>"It frightens me to death, to think of doing it. I have + always thought it took genius to write a novel."</p> + + <p>"My dear young woman, not in this day, when publishing + houses gush books like so many geysers. Anybody with your gift + of words and vivid reactions ought to find writing the line of + least resistance. Of course you can do it."</p> + + <p>"I'd adore trying if you'd help me."</p> + + <p>"That's agreed."</p> + + <p>He watched the concentration of her face with interest. She + was wrapped in the thought of the book. She was attacking it, + on all sides, with the lance of her mind. When she threw + herself into every new interest with such abandon, it was no + wonder that she gave out impressions with the same + intensity.</p> + + <p>"What about the box I'm in?" he reminded her. She came out + of her trance with a start.</p> + + <p>"I'd forgotten all about you," she said frankly. "I had to + explain you to the 'Heavenly Twins,' somehow. If I said you + were an editor, they would naturally ask why you came to see + me?"</p> + + <p>"I never thought of that. I am afraid I've put you in an + embarrassing position."</p> + + <p>"Oh, not at all. I've put you in one. I told them you were + the brother of an old classmate, stopping over in town for a + day, and that you were to look me up."</p> + + <p>"Did I know you well when you were in college?", he + smiled.</p> + + <p>"I didn't intend to have you know me well, but Jarvis showed + such unexpected interest in you that you are suspected of + having known me rather well."</p> + + <p>"Sort of an old affair?"</p> + + <p>"Sort of," she laughed up at him.</p> + + <p>"I get the idea. Have I your permission to play the + rôle in my own way?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, only don't betray me. The 'Twins' will only be around + at lunch-time. After that, we can talk book."</p> + + <p>"Good! I'll play up with my best amateur theatrical manner," + he responded, as they entered the garden. "This is the + arithmetical garden," he said "It's true. Why, it's just like + an 'Alice in Wonderland' experience, coming into something I + have known in some other state of consciousness."</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes, it's true. That's all I am, a sort of a + camera."</p> + + <p>"What a picture-book house!" he added. "It's just right for + you."</p> + + <p>As they went into the screened porch Jarvis arose, slowly, + from the hammock. Mr. Strong stopped, really amazed, as the + splendid figure, with its Apollo head, advanced. Bambi, too, + was struck with some new alive quality in Jarvis that was + compelling.</p> + + <p>"This is Mr. Strong, Jarvis." The two men measured each + other swiftly.</p> + + <p>"I am glad to meet you," said Jarvis, with determined + politeness.</p> + + <p>"Thank you. It's a pleasure to meet Mrs. Jocelyn's + husband."</p> + + <p>Bambi laughed.</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Jocelyn's husband is a new rôle for Jarvis," + said she.</p> + + <p>"I understand you and Mrs. Jocelyn are old friends," said + Jarvis, perfunctorily.</p> + + <p>"We are indeed old and dear friends."</p> + + <p>"It has been some years since you met?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, although I couldn't realize it this morning. There is + a vivid quality about Mrs. Jocelyn which makes it impossible to + forget anything about her. Don't you think so?"</p> + + <p>Jarvis looked at Bambi, who grinned.</p> + + <p>"Do you find me vivid, Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"You are certainly highly coloured."</p> + + <p>"Ugh! That sounds like a Sunday supplement."</p> + + <p>Conversation limped along like a tired cab horse. Even Bambi + could not prod it into a semblance of life. Besides, she was + choked with laughter at the picture of Jarvis sitting up, + during his sacred work hours, full of bromides and manners. A + discussion of New York almost released him. He thundered + against modern cities with force. New York, discovered to be + the home of Strong, became anathema to his host. It was the + Goliath of Tyranny, Wealth, Degeneration, against which, + David-like, he aimed his sling. Strong led him on, interested + in his personality.</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Jocelyn does not share your opinion of New York?"</p> + + <p>"There are many of my opinions in which Mrs. Jocelyn does + not share."</p> + + <p>"Fortunately. Same opinions ought to constitute grounds for + divorce," said Bambi.</p> + + <p>"I understand you write plays, Mr. Jocelyn?"</p> + + <p>"I do."</p> + + <p>"You will have to endure New York, now and again, I suppose, + when you begin to produce."</p> + + <p>"We have formed a partnership," Bambi interpolated. "He + writes and I sell."</p> + + <p>"You are a lucky man," Strong complimented him.</p> + + <p>Jarvis ignored the remark. Strong wondered why on earth + Bambi had married him. He was wonderful to look at, but his + manners were impossible. If he was in love with her, he + disguised it successfully. The entrance of the Professor saved + the situation.</p> + + <p>"This is Mr. Strong, Professor. My father, Professor + Parkhurst."</p> + + <p>The Professor's hand-clasp and absent-minded smile seemed + like a perfect character make-up. It was the kind of thing + David Warfield would have played excellently. Strong had to + shake himself to realize that these were real people, they were + so individualized, so emphasized, like characters in a + play.</p> + + <p>"I am always glad to welcome my daughter's old friends," he + said. "I forget when it was you knew each other, my dear."</p> + + <p>"At college."</p> + + <p>"Ah, yes, I remember. In college. How is your sister?"</p> + + <p>"My sister?" repeated Strong. Bambi gasped. She had + forgotten to tell him about Mary.</p> + + <p>"I refer to your sister Mary," the Professor went on.</p> + + <p>"Oh, sister Mary? Oh——" Strong recovered + himself.</p> + + <p>"You have other sisters?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, oh, yes. Many."</p> + + <p>"Many, indeed! How many, may I ask?"</p> + + <p>"Thirteen," at a venture.</p> + + <p>"Thirteen sisters! That is astonishing! And you are the only + brother?"</p> + + <p>"The only one."</p> + + <p>"Are they all living?"</p> + + <p>"No. All dead."</p> + + <p>"Not Mary?" exclaimed Bambi.</p> + + <p>"No, no, I meant to omit Mary. All but Mary are gone."</p> + + <p>"That is very sad," sighed the Professor. "Thirteen sisters! + How were they named?"</p> + + <p>"After the thirteen original states," replied Ananias + Strong.</p> + + <p>"Extraordinary, but Mary——"</p> + + <p>"Short for Maryland," prompted Strong.</p> + + <p>Bambi almost choked. The subject seemed to fascinate her + father.</p> + + <p>"Is Mary married?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>"Yes, quite. Quite married."</p> + + <p>"I forget whether she visited us, my dear."</p> + + <p>"No, Mary never came to Sunnyside."</p> + + <p>"What a pity the friendships of our young days pass away, + isn't it?"</p> + + <p>"Not at all. It's a blessing," snapped Jarvis. "When you + think of all the donkeys you played with in your + youth——"</p> + + <p>"Mary was not a donkey," giggled Bambi.</p> + + <p>"I wasn't speaking of Mary," he remarked.</p> + + <p>"I thought you said you were going to lunch in your room + to-day, Jarvis," the Professor remarked.</p> + + <p>"That was yesterday," Bambi said quickly.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I can never remember details."</p> + + <p>"I thought that was what you did remember," challenged + Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"You refer to figures. They, are not details. They are of + enormous importance," began Professor Parkhurst.</p> + + <p>"Now, children, let us not trot out the family skeleton. The + 'Heavenly Twins' can talk from now until doomsday tolls on the + importance or non-importance of mathematics. It's as thrilling + as modern warfare when they get started, but I can't afford to + let them go, because they get so excited."</p> + + <p>"Luncheon am served, Miss Bambi," announced Ardelia.</p> + + <p>Bambi led the way, with a sigh of relief. If she could only + get through with it, and get the happy family out of the way! + Jarvis must be punished for bad behaviour, and she set herself + to the task at once. She turned her attention wholly upon Mr. + Strong. She laughed and shined her eyes at him, referring to + the dear, old days in the most shameless manner. She fairly + caressed him with her voice, and his devotion capped her + own.</p> + + <p>The Professor ate his lunch oblivious to the comedy, but + Jarvis scarcely touched his. Some new, painful thing was at + work in him. He resented it every time this man looked at + Bambi. He wanted to knock him down, and order her off to her + room. Most of all, he was furious with himself for caring. He + had the same instinct which possessed him in New York when he + rushed to the club to sweep her out of his life, and so save + himself. He determined to leave the moment luncheon was over. + She must never know what a bad hour she had given him. Poor, + ostrich Jarvis, with his head in the sands!</p> + + <p>The luncheon was one of the most amusing events in Richard + Strong's experience, and as for Bambi, she was at her best. She + enjoyed herself utterly, until coffee put a period to Act + Two.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XIII</h2> + + <p>Mr. Strong's visit left its impress on all three members of + the household. The Professor referred to him as the man with + the thirteen sisters, and wished him reinvited to the house. + Bambi treasured the day he spent with her as a turning point in + her life. Surely new vistas opened up to her as a result of his + coming. But to Jarvis the memory of the day was extremely + painful. He took Bambi's punishment very seriously. He + conceived Strong to be a former lover whom she welcomed back + with affectionate ardour. He knew enough of her odd personality + to be totally in the dark as to what she would do if she found + herself suddenly in love with Strong. The main difficulty was, + however, that he cared what she did—he, Jarvis, the free + man! He realized that this was a flag of danger, and he + answered the warning by sedulously avoiding Bambi for the next + few days. She was too busy with the plans for the book to + notice, although she caught him looking at her once or twice in + a strange, speculative way. Their peace was broken, however, a + few days after Mr. Strong's famous visit by a letter from the + Belasco office, accompanied by the play. Mr. Belasco regretted + that the play was not just what he wanted. It had some + excellent points, etc., but as he had already arranged for so + many productions during the coming season, he felt he could not + take on anything more at present. He would be glad to read + anything Mr. Jocelyn might submit. Jarvis handed it on to + Bambi.</p> + + <p>"As I told you," he remarked.</p> + + <p>"It never got to Belasco," said Bambi, confidently. "If it + had, he would have seen its possibilities."</p> + + <p>"Is something the matter?" inquired the Professor.</p> + + <p>"Belasco has refused Jarvis's play."</p> + + <p>"So. He didn't like that abominable woman any better than I + did."</p> + + <p>"She is not abominable!" from Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"Be quiet, you two, and let me think."</p> + + <p>"If you would learn concentration you would not need quiet + in which to think," protested her parent.</p> + + <p>"Oh, if I would learn to be a camel I wouldn't need a hump," + returned Bambi, shortly.</p> + + <p>"I don't think a hump would be becoming to you," mused the + Professor, turning back to his book.</p> + + <p>"We'll send it to Parke, Jarvis."</p> + + <p>"What's the use?"</p> + + <p>"Don't be silly. Every manager in New York shall see that + play before we stop. We will send it to his wife. Maybe she + will read it."</p> + + <p>"Do as you like about it," he answered, with superb + impersonality.</p> + + <p>She took his advice and got it off at once, addressed to the + actress. In a week came a letter in reply saying that Miss + Harper would like to talk to Mr. Jocelyn about the play, and + making an appointment at her house two days later.</p> + + <p>This letter threw them into great excitement. Jarvis + protested, first, that he could not be interrupted at his + present work, which interested him. Bambi pooh-poohed that + excuse. Then he said he had never talked to an actress, and he + had heard they were a fussy lot. She would probably want him to + change the play; as he would not do that, there was no use + seeing the woman. Bambi informed him that if Miss Harper would + get the play produced, it would pay Jarvis to do exactly what + she wanted done. Then he protested he hated New York. He didn't + want to go back there. Bambi finally lost her temper.</p> + + <p>"If you are going to act like a balky horse, I give you up. + Until you get started, you will have to do a great many things + you will not like, but if I were a man, I would never let any + obstacles down me."</p> + + <p>"When can I get a train?" meekly.</p> + + <p>"You can take the same train we took before, to-morrow + morning."</p> + + <p>A great light broke for Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"I can't go. I haven't any money."</p> + + <p>"I have. I'll lend it to you."</p> + + <p>"I must owe you thousands now."</p> + + <p>"Not quite. We can do this all right."</p> + + <p>"Have you got it all down?"</p> + + <p>"In the Black Maria," she nodded.</p> + + <p>So the long and the short of it was that Jarvis went off to + New York again. No martyr ever approached the stake with a more + saddened visage than he turned upon Bambi as the train pulled + out. She waved her hand at him, smiling pleasantly, but he was + sorrowful to the last glimpse.</p> + + <p>"Poor old baby!" she laughed. "He shall stay in New York a + while. He is getting too dependent on mamma."</p> + + <p>She really welcomed his absence. It gave her so much more + time for her own work, which absorbed and delighted her. She + had never known any sensation so pleasurable as that sense of + adventure with which, each morning, she went to work. First, + she patted the manuscript pile, which grew so amazingly fast. + Then she filled her fountain pen and looked off over the + treetops, beyond her window, until, like Peter Pan, she slipped + off into another world, the Land of Make Believe, a country she + had discovered for herself and peopled with human beings to + suit her own taste. To be sure, heir story concerned itself + mainly with herself, Jarvis, and the Professor, but only the + traits that made them individual, that made them "they," were + selected, and the experiences she took them through were + entirely of her own making. It was such fun to make them real + by the power of words; to make many people know them and love + them, or condemn them, as the case might be. In fact, creation + was absorbing.</p> + + <p>"It's very quiet around here since Jarvis left," commented + the Professor a few days later.</p> + + <p>"I never thought Jarvis was noisy."</p> + + <p>"Well, he's like distant thunder."</p> + + <p>"And heat lightning," laughed Bambi.</p> + + <p>"Do you happen to miss him?"</p> + + <p>"Me? Oh, not at all. Do you?"</p> + + <p>"It always frets me to have things mislaid that I am used to + seeing around. When you change the furnishings about, it upsets + me."</p> + + <p>"Do you look upon Jarvis as furniture?" she teased him.</p> + + <p>"I look upon him as an anomaly."</p> + + <p>"How so?"</p> + + <p>"William Morris said, 'You should never have anything in + your house which you do not know to be useful, and believe to + be beautiful.' "</p> + + <p>"I think Jarvis is beautiful."</p> + + <p>"That great mammoth?"</p> + + <p>"He's like Apollo, or Adonis."</p> + + <p>"He certainly needs all Olympus to stretch out on. He + clutters up this little house."</p> + + <p>"I am sorry you don't like Jarvis, Professor."</p> + + <p>"I do like him. I am used to him. I enjoy disagreeing with + him. I wish he would come home."</p> + + <p>His daughter beamed on him.</p> + + <p>"Then he is also useful as a whetstone upon which you + sharpen your wits. William Morris had nothing on me when I + added Jarvis to our Penates."</p> + + <p>Jarvis's first letter she read aloud to her father, and they + both laughed at it, it was so Jarvis-like.</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"Dear Bambi," he wrote, "I am in this vile + cesspool of humanity again, and I feel like a drowning + gnat. I did not go to the club, as you told me to, because + I thought I could live more economically if I took a room + somewhere and 'ate around,' I left my bag at the station, + while I went to an address given me by a young man I met on + the train. He said it was plain but clean. He told me some + experiences he had had in boarding and lodging houses. They + were awful! This place is an old three-story house, of the + fiendish mid-Victorian brand—dark halls, high + ceilings, and marble mantels. It seemed clean, so I took a + room, almost as large as your linen closet, where I shall + spend the few days I am here. My room has a court outlook, + and was hotter than Tophet last night, but of course you + expect to be hot in summer.</p> + + <p class="quote">"I went to see Miss Harper, at the time + appointed, this morning. She lives up Riverside Drive. She + is a pleasant woman, who seems to know what she wants. She + thinks that if I write a new third act, and change some + things in the second act, Mr. Parke might produce it. I + defended the present form, and tried to show her that the + changes she wants will weaken the message of the play. She + says she doesn't care a fig for my message. She wants a + good part. My impulse was to take my work and leave, but I + remembered how important this chance seemed to you, so I + swallowed my pride, though it choked me, and promised to + make a scenario of the changes, to submit at once. I may + have to stay on a few days to do things over as she wants + me to do. The play is ruined for me, already.</p> + + <p class="quote">"I suppose it is cool and quiet where you + are. The noise and heat are terrible here. I forgot to say + that I have to hurry with 'Success,' because the lady is + going to Europe in a fortnight, and insists it must be + finished by that time. I hope she won't crack the whip. It + makes me nervous. I am such a new trained bear.</p> + + <p class="quote">"I'd rather argue with the Professor + to-night than be here, or even talk with you. I wish you + didn't want me to be a success, Bambi. Couldn't you let me + off? My regards to you both. Tell Ardelia that nobody in + New York knows anything about cooking. There seem to be + thousands of people eating around, and oh, such food! Good + night.</p> + + <p class="closing">"JARVIS."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>"He is homesick," said the Professor, as Bambi finished and + folded the letter.</p> + + <p>"Homesick to argue with you," snapped Bambi.</p> + + <p>"He said, 'Or talk with you.' "</p> + + <p>"Excuse me. He said, 'Or even talk with you.' I shall punish + him for that."</p> + + <p>"He isn't comfortable. Hot and mid-Victorian. He isn't + responsible," excused her father.</p> + + <p>"He won't be comfortable when he gets the penalty," said + Bambi, fiercely.</p> + + <p>"I am surprised that he consented to change his play. + Samson's locks are certainly shorn."</p> + + <p>"What do you mean by that?"</p> + + <p>"You have shaved him, my dear."</p> + + <p>"Are you calling me Delilah?"</p> + + <p>"You can't deny that he would never be where he is, doing + what he is now, if he were not married to you."</p> + + <p>"What of it? Time he had a little discipline. He needs it + and his work needs it."</p> + + <p>"Well, he's getting it."</p> + + <p>"Are you pitying him because he isn't as mad as he was when + I caught him?"</p> + + <p>"He's still mad, nor' by nor'east."</p> + + <p>"I'll make a human being and a big artist out of Jarvis + before I am through."</p> + + <p>"Be careful that you don't lose everything in him that makes + him Jarvis."</p> + + <p>"Do you think that I can't do it?"</p> + + <p>"I only say that creation, like vengeance, is God's. It is + dangerous when man tampers with it."</p> + + <p>Upon a sudden impulse, she went to lean over him and kiss + his bald head.</p> + + <p>"I'll remember that, Herr Vater," said she.</p> + + <p>As the result of their talk, her reply to Jarvis was not so + fierce as she had planned to make it, in her first indignation + at his "even you." She did not pat him on the back for making + concessions about the play. She merely said she was glad he was + acting so sensibly about it, and that if she was the mainspring + of that action she was proud. As for letting him off, he was + the only living person who could keep him on, or let him off. + If he was the sort of softling who could not stand up under + life's discipline because it was uncomfortable or unpleasant, + then no power on earth could hold him to accomplishment. But, + endowed as he was, with brain, imagination, sensibilities, + health, it lay in his power to actually create himself, to say + "such and such a man will I be," making every touch of life's + sculpturing fingers count, "even the pinches," she added, + picturesquely. Of course he must stay in New York as long as + necessary. If he was uncomfortable, he must move. He could not + do good work under irritating conditions. She told him that the + Professor missed him, and Ardelia contemplated sending a box of + goodies. She omitted any mention of her own state of mind or + feelings in regard to him or his actions. Here was the + punishment for his "even you," and he pondered long over + it.</p> + + <p>"What on earth did she marry me for? She doesn't care a + straw about me, only what I can make of myself," he mused, a + trifle bitterly. But he went to work at "Success" with the + abandon of a house-wrecker, pulling it to the foundation. He + used the sledgehammer on scenes he loved. He loosened and + pitched out phrases he had mulled over long, and in the dust of + the affray he forgot the sting that lay behind Bambi's words. + If she wanted him famous, famous would he be.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XIV</h2> + + <p>Three boiling days, and the major part of three boiling + nights, Jarvis sweated and toiled over the scenario for the + revised two acts. It was work that irked him, because he hated + doing things over when the first glad joy of inspiration was + gone, but he stuck to it. And the fourth day he set out for the + house far up the Riverside Drive, armed with his manuscript and + a sense of triumph.</p> + + <p>Arrived at his destination, the butler announced that Miss + Harper had gone on a motor trip for two days. No, she had left + no word. Angry at himself for not having provided against such + a situation by an appointment with the lady, furious at the + thought of two days' delay, he betook himself to the Parke + offices in the hope of finding some word for him there. Mr. + Parke was busy and could not see him, announced the keeper of + the keys to heaven, who sat at the outer gate. No, Mrs. Parke + had left no word for a Mr. Jocelyn. No, she knew nothing of + Mrs. Parke's plans or movements. No, she could not ask Mr. + Parke. Besides, he wouldn't know.</p> + + <p>Jarvis descended the many stairs in a thickening gloom. + Wait, wait, wait! That was part of the discipline Bambi talked + of so wisely. Well, he then and there decided that the day + would come when he would walk past every managerial outpost in + the city, and invade the sanctum without so much as presenting + a visiting-card.</p> + + <p>The automobile trip lasted four days instead of two, and he + spent them in a fret of impatience. He worked at the third act, + sure of her approval. On the fifth day she received him. She + liked the idea of the second act—she would have none of + the new third act. At the end of his enthusiastic sketch of how + it would run, the reading of new scenes, the telling of new + business, she yawned slightly, and said she didn't like it at + all. Unless he could get a good third act, she wouldn't care + for the piece. He assured her this would be a good third act + when it was worked up. No use working it up. She knew now she + would never like it. Jarvis rose.</p> + + <p>"I will submit the new third act to-morrow. Have you any + suggestions you wish to incorporate?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. If I could write plays, I would not be acting them. + It's easier and more lucrative to write."</p> + + <p>"I don't find it easy enough to be a bore," replied Jarvis. + "I will be here at eleven to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"Make it three."</p> + + <p>"Very well, three."</p> + + <p>"Some of the pinches," he muttered as he climbed the bus to + go back to his hot hall bedroom, his mind a blank, and only + twenty-five hours in which to work out a new third act.</p> + + <p>He stripped for action and worked until midnight. Then he + foraged on Fourth Avenue for food at an all-night cafe + patronized by car-men, chauffeurs, and messenger boys. He ate + ravenously. Afterward he swung downward to Madison Square Park, + to stretch his tired body. The stars were very bright, but a + warm wind crowded people on to the streets. A restless, aimless + crowd of strollers! Several of them spoke to Jarvis. Many of + them marked him. But he paid no attention to individuals. His + mind was full of the whole picture. Mile after mile of narrow + streets between blocks of stone and brick and wood. Thousands + of people tramping the miles like so many animals driven from + the jungle by fire or flood. This men called + civilization—this City of Stone Blocks! How far was it + from the jungle? Hunger, thirst, lust, jealousy, anger, + courage, and cowardice—these were the passions of both + fastnesses. How far was Man from his blood brother, the + Wolf?</p> + + <p>He reached the green square, and started to cross it. On + every bench, crowded together, huddled the sleepers. He walked + slowly, and looked at them closely. Most of them were + old—old men and old women—warped out of all + semblance to human beings, their hideous faces and crooked + bodies more awful in the abandon of sleep. Some young ones + there were, too: a thin boy with a cough; a tired girl of the + streets, snatching a moment of sleep before she went about her + trade. It was like some fantastic dream.</p><a name= + "Fig07"></a> + + <div class="figure" + style="width: 598px;"> + <img src="illustrations/Fig07.jpg" + width="550" + height="368" + alt=""><br> + + + <p class="caption">"SOFTLINGS! POOR SOFTLINGS!" JARVIS + MUTTERED, BAMBI'S WORDS COMING BACK TO HIM.</p> + </div><br> + + + <p>"Softlings! Poor softlings!" Jarvis muttered, Bambi's words + coming back to him. The tawdry little girl stirred, saw him, + spoke to him, her hand upon his arm.</p> + + <p>"Go get a decent bed, child," he said, giving her some + money.</p> + + <p>Her eyes shone at him in the half light like Bambi's, and he + shuddered. As she sped away a sudden rage possessed him. Why + did they endure, these patient beasts? They numbered thousands + upon thousands, these down-and-outs. Why did they not stand + together, rise up, and take? Why didn't he shout them awake, + and lead them himself? "Gimme a nickel to get a drink?" whined + a voice at his elbow.</p> + + <p>"Here, you, move on!" said the policeman, roughly, arousing + Jarvis from his trance.</p> + + <p>On the way uptown to his room he thought it over. If they + could organize and stand together, they wouldn't be what they + were. It was because they were morally and physically + disintegrated that they were derelicts. This waste was part of + the price we must pay for commercial supremacy, for money + power, for—oh, sardonic jest!—for a democracy.</p> + + <p>He went back to work with squared shoulders, and worked + until dawn. At three the next afternoon he again presented + himself to the Parke butler. Madame was indisposed, could see + no one. Mr. Jocelyn was to come the next day at three.</p> + + <p>This time he wasted no energy in rage at the delay. He began + to see that this was no sham battle on a green hillside of a + summer's day, but a real hand-to-hand fight. It was to place + him, for all time, at the head of the regiment or with the + discards. He had believed that what he had to say was the most + important thing, that this errand Bambi had sent him on was a + stupid interruption. But all at once he saw it straight. This + was his fight, here and now. He would not go back to her until + he had won. He must find the way to finance himself in the + meantime. No more provisions from the Professor or his + daughter. As he made his way downtown he thought over all the + possibilities of making enough to live on. He had never + bothered his head about it before. Like the sparrow, he had + been provided for. But something of his arrogant demanding of + life seemed to have fled, a sort of terror had been planted in + him by that view of the park-bench sleepers.</p> + + <p>How he wished Bambi were here to advise him, to laugh at + him, or with him! The thought of her was constantly creeping + into his mind, to be shoved out by a determined effort of his + will. He told himself he was becoming as boneless as the + Professor, who relied on her for everything. That night he + wrote to her:</p> + + <p>"I seem to have come to my senses to-day for the first time. + Queer how a man can go on walking, talking, and thinking in his + sleep. I don't know why I should have wakened up to-day, but a + walk I took last night at midnight stirred something in me. And + a futile attempt to see Miss Harper to-day did the rest. You + saw clearly, as you so often do. This is my fight, right here + and now. I must make somebody believe in this play and produce + it. It may take a long time—months, perhaps—but I + must stay and face it out.</p> + + <p>"I wanted you sorely to-night, Miss Mite, to talk it over + with me. I am always coming upon things I want to talk over + with you, these days. You have such a decided way of seeing + things.</p> + + <p>"I shall not be needing any more money, because I am about + to make something, on the side, for myself. Keep the Black + Maria, and when the play goes we will have a mighty reckoning. + I am not going to say thanks for what you and the Professor + have done for me. I am going to act thanks.</p> + + <p>"I shall read the scenario of the third act to Miss Harper + to-morrow, the gods and the lady permitting. This is the + <i>third</i> third act. I trust it will be 'three and out,' or, + rather, three and on. My regards to the Professor and you. It + is very hot here, and I relax by thinking myself in the + arithmetical garden. It seems years ago since I was there. Has + the Professor laid out any new figures? I think the 'X' bed + ought to be wild orchids. He will understand."</p> + + <p>He took the letter out to mail, and went for another walk. + The night crowds began to interest him. He planned to take a + different walk every night, and learn something of this city + which he was setting out to conquer.</p> + + <p>The next morning he went from one newspaper office to + another trying to get a job. His lack of experience handicapped + him everywhere. Cub reporters were as thick as summer flies. He + walked, to save carfare.</p> + + <p>At three he gained admittance to Miss Harper and read her + the new scenario. She decided that she liked the second one + better. He arranged to go to work on it at once, so that she + might have Mr. Parke read it before she sailed. The siren Hope + sang a happy song to Jarvis as he swung down the drive. He had + the golden apple in his grasp this time.</p> + + <p>"I'm coming, oh, you people," he apostrophized them with his + old assurance. "You'll hear from me soon!"</p> + + <p>He celebrated his coming fortune with a fifty-cent table + d'hôte, to which he did full justice. Up in the hot hall + bedroom he took stock of ammunition. If he went light on food, + he could afford to keep right at the play until he finished it. + He estimated just what amount he could spend a day, and divided + up his cash into the daily portion, each in an envelope. He + purchased an alcohol stove and a coffee-pot, and set to + work.</p> + + <p>There were only twelve days in which to do or die, and he + went at it in a frenzy. Day faded into night, night faded into + day, marked only by the thumping of the outraged chambermaid, + at whom he thundered. When he remembered, he dashed out for + food, but for the most part he drank coffee, and more + coffee.</p> + + <p>Once he went for a long walk. He could never remember, + afterward, whether it was day or night. But during it he + thought out a new scene, and ran miles to get back and get it + down. He grew thinner and more hollow-eyed each day, but he + cared for nothing but accomplishing this thing. He knew the act + was good. He felt sure Miss Harper would like it.</p> + + <p>At dawn of the day he was to finish it he rushed into a + dairy lunch to get a sandwich and a glass of milk. While he + waited for the heavy-eyed clerk to get it, he picked up a + morning paper. The date caught his eye. This was his last day + of grace, sure enough. He must call up and get an appointment + for the afternoon, for Miss Harper would be sailing to-morrow. + Idly his eye travelled across the page, and suddenly was + riveted by a headline: "Bertram Parke and his wife, Helen + Harper, sail on the Mauretania to-day. They will hasten to + London, to sign a contract for a play for Miss Harper by + Galsworthy, which will be produced in New York immediately on + her return."</p> + + <p>The print blurred before Jarvis's eyes. Everything swayed + and swam. Out of the chaos came the voice of the tired clerk, + shouting: "Say, you, what's the matter with you? Can't you take + your sandwich? Think I'm going to hold it all day?"</p> + + <p>Jarvis didn't understand him. He didn't even hear him. He + just laid down his last quarter and went out, a bit + unsteadily.</p> + + <p>"Soused!" grinned the clerk, looking after him.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XV</h2> + + <p>Bambi sat, chin on hand, staring off into the distance so + long that the Professor's attention was finally attracted to + her. She held Jarvis's letter in her hand—his + call-to-arms letter.</p> + + <p>"No bad news, I hope?" ventured her father.</p> + + <p>"Oh, no; good news. The best. Jarvis is alive!"</p> + + <p>"Why, you didn't think he was dead?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, in a sense he was dead."</p> + + <p>"Strange I never noticed it."</p> + + <p>"I mean that he was only fully alive to himself. He was dead + to other people. He has been dangerously self-centred."</p> + + <p>"And now——"</p> + + <p>"Now many hands are knocking at his postern gate!"</p> + + <p>"What enigmatic things you do say, my child!"</p> + + <p>"Don't you understand? Jarvis has built a high wall about + himself, his precious self. He was a sort of superman, called + to sit in a high tower and dream, to think, to formulate a + message to the world. No claims of earth were allowed to enter + in."</p> + + <p>"But you climbed over the wall? You were a claim of + earth?"</p> + + <p>"You know how I sneaked in when he wasn't looking."</p> + + <p>"If you could read me the letter, Bambina, or such portions + of it as are not private, I might understand better what you + are trying to say."</p> + + <p>"I'll read it to you. It's none of it private. He has + nothing private to say to me."</p> + + <p>The Professor composed himself to listen, while she read + Jarvis's long screed aloud. At the end he, too, sat + thoughtfully a few moments, his finger tips neatly matched in + church steeples before him.</p> + + <p>"I'm sometimes amazed at your judgment," he said.</p> + + <p>"Why my judgment?"</p> + + <p>"I never would have seen any possibilities, myself, in the + Jarvis whom you married."</p> + + <p>"Speaking of cryptic remarks——"</p> + + <p>"I was trying to convey to your mind my belief that he may + turn out a real man."</p> + + <p>"Oh, Jarvis was a good investment. I knew it at the time. + Poor old thing, he's frightfully lonesome."</p> + + <p>"He ought to come home for a while, on a visit. I am saving + several topics for disagreement."</p> + + <p>"No, it's better for him to stick it out. No human being + ever treated Jarvis like this Miss Harper is treating him, and + it's fine for him."</p> + + <p>"Aren't you rather Spartan, my dear?"</p> + + <p>"I am. I have felt all along that I had pushed him overboard + before I was sure he could swim. Now I know he can."</p> + + <p>"You may tell him for me that our agreement was for two + years, and it holds good."</p> + + <p>"I don't know what your agreement was, Herr Professor, but + if it had money in it, cancel it. I want him to learn that + lesson, too."</p> + + <p>"Poor old Jarvis!"</p> + + <p>"Don't you poor old Jarvis me. Remember the abuse you heaped + on him when I married him. I want him to be practical!"</p> + + <p>The Professor rose and started for the garden.</p> + + <p>"It's your own affair, my dear."</p> + + <p>The outcome of Bambi's thoughts was a letter to Mr. Strong. + She invited him to spend the weekend with her father and + herself, to talk over the book and other things. She added that + she hoped that he would prepare himself with data about the + thirteen sisters, because her father would be primed with + questions about them. Mr. Strong's acceptance came by return + mail, and he, himself, followed Saturday morning.</p> + + <p>Bambi met him, as on the other occasion, and at sight of his + cordial smile she suddenly felt as if he were an old + friend.</p> + + <p>"I am so glad to see you!" she exclaimed in her impulsive + way.</p> + + <p>Mr. Strong shook her hand vigorously.</p> + + <p>"It's mutual, I may say," and he fell into step. "Bless this + old town, it's like——"</p> + + <p>"A soporific," she supplied, and joined his laugh.</p> + + <p>"How's the Professor? And my old friend Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"The Professor is in a quiver of expectation to talk sisters + with you."</p> + + <p>"Good! I am ready for him. And Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"Jarvis was the 'other things' I asked you here to talk + about."</p> + + <p>"I see."</p> + + <p>"He's in New York."</p> + + <p>"He is? Why didn't he look me up?"</p> + + <p>"He doesn't like you."</p> + + <p>"He took us seriously the other day?"</p> + + <p>"He did."</p> + + <p>"Jealous, is he? That isn't why he is in New York?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no! He went to sell a play."</p> + + <p>"Belasco refused it?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, and two others. The Parkes have it now. They are going + to take it."</p> + + <p>"That's good."</p> + + <p>"Jarvis may have to stay in the city for some time. He + doesn't know any one. He hates cities. I suspect he is + economizing too much to be comfortable. I thought maybe you + would look him up—keep an eye on him."</p> + + <p>"I should be delighted to, if you think he doesn't dislike + me too much."</p> + + <p>"Oh, no, he was annoyed that day we flirted so outrageously, + but I know he would be glad to see you."</p> + + <p>"I had a wonderful time that day, myself."</p> + + <p>"It was fun. Everybody was so at cross purposes."</p> + + <p>"Do I continue the rôle of old beau?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. You've established yourself with father, so there's + no use in playing up."</p> + + <p>"Old beau exit with regret," he sighed.</p> + + <p>"You're a nice man, and I'm glad of you."</p> + + <p>"Thanks. Give me Jocelyn's address before you forget it. Ah, + there's the Professor now," he added, as he pocketed the card + and hastened into the garden.</p> + + <p>The rest of the two days they spent in easy companionship. + They played tennis, they drove through the woods in an old + surrey, Bambi as whip. Then, when the Professor's early bedtime + removed him to the second story, they sat on the moonlit piazza + and talked.</p> + + <p>The novel had grown into ten chapters. Three instalments had + been published, and the public was showing a most flattering + interest in it. Strong brought a box of letters for her to read + from enthusiastic readers.</p> + + <p>"It's extraordinary how real you make your characters when + you are such a novice," he said to her.</p> + + <p>"I tell you I am a photographer. The musician in my story is + Jarvis, with a thin disguise. The old fiddler is my father, and + the girl is shamelessly 'me.' "</p> + + <p>"Delightfully you," he corrected her. "Has the Professor or + your husband read any of your stories?"</p> + + <p>"No. They never read magazines. Jarvis saw the announcement + of the prize story, and commented on the use of my name, but I + threw him off the scent easily."</p> + + <p>"I don't see why you don't 'fess' up, now that the thing is + an established success."</p> + + <p>"No, not yet. It's such a lovely secret. I want to wait for + just the moment to spring it on them."</p> + + <p>"Couldn't you invite me in when that moment comes?"</p> + + <p>"We'll see. I may invite the neighbours in, and crown myself + with a laurel wreath."</p> + + <p>"I'd rely on your doing it in a novel way."</p> + + <p>"The surest way of being considered eccentric is just to be + yourself. So few of us have the nerve."</p> + + <p>They talked late. He told her his plans and hopes for the + magazine. He spoke of his people, of his past life, of his + preparation for his work, and when the clock finally + interrupted with twelve strokes, they arose, nearer friends + than ever.</p> + + <p>After Strong's departure Bambi wrote Jarvis to prepare him + for the friendly visit:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"You'll remember Richard Strong, the + brother of Maryland and the thirteen sisters? He came to + spend the weekend with us, and expressed such + disappointment at your absence that I gave him your address + so he could look you up. Do be nice to him. I am sure you + will like him when you get to know him. He is a fine, + sensible fellow. He might find something for you to do on a + magazine, if you wanted it. I did not speak to him about + it, thinking you could do it best yourself, if you chose + to. We had a pleasant two days' visit—much talk, + tennis, drives, and more talk. It seemed to please and rest + him, and we enjoyed him greatly. The Professor has taken a + great liking to him.</p> + + <p class="quote">"By the time this reaches you, you will + have read the new third act to your leading lady. I feel so + confident that she is going to like it. Wire me when she + accepts. I can't wait for a letter. Good luck and + congratulations, from both of us.</p> + + <p class="closing">"BAMBI."</p> + + <p class="quote" + style="margin-bottom: 0em;">"P.S. Will you come home + after the contract is signed?"</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>She tripped down to the corner in the moonlight to mail the + letter, congratulating herself that she had handled the report + of Mr. Strong's visit with great tact. She recalled Jarvis's + unexpected jealousy with a smile. Where was he at this moment? + Tossing in a hot bedroom, or prowling the streets, as he seemed + prone to do these nights?</p> + + <p>She pondered the processes which made success so easy for + some people—hers, for instance, a happy + accident—while others, Jarvis-like, had to be tied to the + wheel before the fickle goddess released them and crowned them. + Was it all chance? Or was there some big plan back of it all? + Was she spared this incarnation that she might strive harder in + the next? Was Jarvis expiating for past immunity? It was all a + tangle, surely, to our mortal eyes.</p> + + <p>She gave it up, snapped off her light, and went to bed. A + shaft of silver, like a prayer rug, lay across the floor.</p> + + <p>"Lady Moon, shine softly on my Knight of the Broken Lance," + she whispered, as she closed her eyes.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XVI</h2> + + <p>There was a faint idea in Jarvis's mind, as he staggered out + of the all-night lunch, of swimming after the Mauretania to + overtake the Parkes. Then his wandering senses collected + themselves. He realized that the vessel did not sail until + eleven, or thereabouts; that there were still several hours + before that.</p> + + <p>He hurried back to his room, dressed carefully, took the + manuscript, and started out. It never occurred to him to + telephone. Arrived at the house, the butler informed him that + the Parkes had left in the motor at 8:30. No word had been left + for Mr. Jocelyn.</p> + + <p>Jarvis's jaw was set as he started downtown. He went to the + wharf where the steamer lay, but there was only fifteen minutes + left before her sailing. It was impossible to find out anything + from anybody. So, with a sardonic calm, he watched the steamer + slowly loosing from the wharf and making her stately exit.</p> + + <p>On the way uptown he made up his mind as to the next move. + He would begin action to-day on the Charles Frohman forces. He + must also try to find a job. His resources were about + exhausted.</p> + + <p>At the Empire Theatre, where the king of managers rules, + there was actually an elevator to carry one up to the throne + room and its antechambers. At a window, in a sort of cashier's + booth, a boy received Jarvis's manuscript, numbered and entered + it on the file.</p> + + <p>"How soon will it be read?" Jarvis asked.</p> + + <p>"Oh, six weeks or so," said the youth.</p> + + <p>"No possible chance of seeing Mr. Frohman?"</p> + + <p>"Only by appointment. He is in Europe now."</p> + + <p>Jarvis relinquished his precious bundle and departed. It + occurred to him, when he reached the street, that part of his + depression was from hunger. He bought a sandwich and coffee at + a Childs restaurant. Later, he went into a drug store and + looked up magazine offices in the telephone book. Then he set + out. From <i>Collier's</i> to the <i>Cosmopolitan</i> is many a + weary mile. And Jarvis walked it, visiting all the intervening + offices.</p> + + <p>In only one case did he get to the editor. Mr. Davis, of + <i>Munsey's</i>, let him come in, and was decent to him, + promised to read anything he sent in at once, took his address, + and made him feel like a human being. Many a young writer + besides Jarvis has to thank Mr. Bob Davis for just such a bit + of encouragement. For the most part, he saw clerks or + secretaries who made excuses for the editor, took his name and + address with the same old "Come in again." Out in the hot sun + the pavement wavered and melted into hillocks before his dizzy + eyes. So he went back to the hot bedroom, which seemed, all at + once, a haven of rest.</p> + + <p>He threw himself on the hard bed and was asleep in a second. + It seemed aeons later that he was dragged up from the depths of + slumber by continued pounding on his door. The slattern + chambermaid announced that a gentleman wished to see him. He + called to her it must be a mistake. He didn't know any + gentlemen.</p> + + <p>" 'E h'ast for Jarvis Jocelyn. 'Ere's 'is card," she + retorted, opening the door and marching to the bed with it.</p> + + <p>"Richard Strong. Tell him I'm out."</p> + + <p>"Hi've already said you was in. Hi see you come hup."</p> + + <p>"The devil! Where is he?"</p> + + <p>"Coolin' 'is 'eels in the 'all."</p> + + <p>"Say I'll be down in a minute. Ask him to wait."</p> + + <p>"Hi get you," said she, and clomped out.</p> + + <p>Then Jarvis's eye fell on Bambi's letter on his table, + unopened. It must have come the day before, when he was lost in + his play. He glanced through it. At the mention of Strong's + visit he frowned. He read that part twice. There was no doubt + of it. Strong had the only chance with her. He made no secret + of his devotion to her, and the probabilities were that now + that he, Jarvis, was out of the way, she would realize how much + she cared for Strong.</p> + + <p>"Well, what is, is," he muttered. He'd have no favours from + Strong, though, that was sure.</p> + + <p>Twenty minutes later, shaved and dressed, he descended upon + his guest, who sat in torment, on a hall-tree shelf, in Stygian + darkness.</p> + + <p>"How do you do?" said Jarvis, stiffly. "Sorry to keep you + waiting in this hole of Calcutta."</p> + + <p>"How are you, Jocelyn?" said Strong, cordially. "Your wife + gave me your address, and I thought you might save me from a + deadly evening by dining with me at Claremont."</p> + + <p>"Thank you, I have dined," replied Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"So early? Well, come with me while I get a bite somewhere, + and we will go to a show, or hear some music."</p> + + <p>"Much obliged. I am engaged for the evening."</p> + + <p>"Oh, that's a pity. Your wife told me you were a friendless + stranger in a foreign land, so I lost no time in coming to look + you up."</p> + + <p>"Very kind of you."</p> + + <p>"I had a charming weekend in the country. We missed you very + much."</p> + + <p>"Indeed?"</p> + + <p>"You're a lucky chap, Jocelyn. Your wife is one of the most + enchanting women I ever met. She is unique."</p> + + <p>"I am glad she pleases you."</p> + + <p>"My dear fellow, I hope I haven't annoyed you. I meant no + disrespect in complimenting you on Mrs. Jocelyn's charm."</p> + + <p>"You made your admiration a trifle conspicuous the last time + I saw you," said Jarvis in a rage.</p> + + <p>"I apologize, I assure you. I bid you good night."</p> + + <p>"Unmannerly boor," was Strong's comment as he turned toward + the avenue.</p> + + <p>"Hope that settles Mr. Richard Strong," fumed Jarvis as he + turned away from the avenue.</p> + + <p>Two letters were written Bambi that night concerning this + meeting. Mr. Strong wrote:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"DEAR LADY: I cannot possibly tell you how + much of the fragrance of the garden, and of you, stays with + me even in the heat and ugliness of New York. I am so + grateful to you and the Professor for your hospitality and + your friendship.</p> + + <p class="quote">"I went to see your Jarvis to-night, as I + promised to do, but he made it exceedingly plain to me that + he desired neither my visit nor my acquaintance. I thought + he looked very tired and a trifle hectic. No doubt the heat + has worn on him. I don't mean to alarm you. I am only + searching for some excuse for my own comfort for his + reception of me.</p> + + <p class="quote">"I shall look for the next chapters with + eagerness. None of your many readers knows my proprietary + delight in that tale of yours.</p> + + <p class="quote">"My cordial regards to your father, and to + yourself my thanks and my best wishes. Faithfully,</p> + + <p class="closing">"RICHARD STRONG."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>Jarvis was not so politic. He permitted himself some + rancor.</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"DEAR BAMBINA: I did not get your letter + announcing Strong's visit, and his approaching descent upon + me, until this evening. He followed close upon its heels. I + have no doubt you intended it kindly sending him here to + look me up, but the truth is I am in no mood for callers, + and I fear I made that rather plain to your friend. I may + as well say, frankly, I disliked him exceedingly on the + occasion of his visit to you. It would be useless for me to + try to disguise the fact. I would never dream of asking him + for work on his magazine, which I consider of a very low + grade.</p> + + <p class="quote">"By some misunderstanding the Parkes + sailed sooner than they expected, and failed to see my + play. I have offered it to Charles Frohman. I should prefer + him to any other New York manager.</p> + + <p class="quote">"The weather here is extremely hot, and I + have been working rather hard, so I am a little knocked + out. Will you send me the manuscript of my two unfinished + plays you will find on the table in my study? With regards + to the Professor and yourself. Hastily,</p> + + <p class="closing">"JARVIS."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>Having got this off his mind and into the mailbox, Jarvis + went for his nightly prowl. His steps turned toward the crowded + East Side district, where a new interest was beginning to + attract him. Until now "men" were his only concern. These hot + nights, as he tramped along, discouraged with his own futility, + he was beginning to discover "Man."</p> + + <p>It seemed to him that all the children in the world were + playing in these crowded streets. He had never turned his + attention to children before. And he began to look at the + shrewd, old faces, even to talk to a group here and there. They + made him think of monkeys, clever, nervous little beasts.</p> + + <p>He skirted several mothers' meetings conducted on the + sidewalk. He even went into a saloon to have a look at the men, + but the odour of stale beer and hot bodies was insufferable and + drove him out. As he sauntered along, he passed an unlighted + business building. Out of the shadow a girl stole, and fell in + step beside him.</p> + + <p>"Hello, kid!" she began, her hand tucked under his arm. + Before she could complete her sentence, a policeman was upon + them. He laid hold of the girl roughly.</p> + + <p>"Now I got you! I told you to keep off'n this block," he + growled.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter with you? What do you want?" Jarvis + demanded.</p> + + <p>"I want her to come along with me. That's what I want."</p> + + <p>"She hasn't done anything."</p> + + <p>"You bet she hasn't. I didn't give her time."</p> + + <p>"Let go of her! What charge are you taking her on?"</p> + + <p>"Don't get fresh, young guy. The charge is s'licitin'."</p> + + <p>"That's a lie! She's a friend of mine, and she merely said, + 'Good evening.' "</p> + + <p>The copper laughed derisively, and the girl turned a cynical + young-old face to Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"Much obliged, kid, but it ain't no use. He's got me + spotted."</p> + + <p>"If you arrest her, you must arrest me."</p> + + <p>"I got nottin' on you."</p> + + <p>"Yes, you have. I said 'Good evening' to her, just what she + said to me."</p> + + <p>"Get the hell out of here, and don't give me none of your + lip, or I'll run you in. Come along!" the policeman ordered, + and he and the girl started on toward Jefferson Market. Jarvis + marched beside them. When they turned in at the door where + prisoners are entered, the policeman again ordered Jarvis + off.</p> + + <p>"Go round in front if you're crazy to be in on this," he + said.</p> + + <p>Jarvis hurried round to the front door and went in. The + courtroom was packed. He had trouble in finding a seat, but he + finally got into the front row, just behind the rail that + divides the dock from the spectators. One half of the room was + full of swine—fat, blowse-necked Jewish men, lawyers, + cadets, owners of houses—all the low breeds who fatten + off the degradation of women. Their business was to pay the + fines or go bail.</p> + + <p>The other half of the room, to Jarvis's horror, was full of + young boys and girls, some almost children, there out of + curiosity. A goodly number of street walkers sat at the back. + It was their habit to come into court to see what judge was + sitting. If it was one who levied strict fines, or was prone to + send girls up to Bedford, they spent the evening there, instead + of on the streets.</p> + + <p>The first case called, after Jarvis's entrance, was that of + the keeper of a disorderly house. She was horrible. He felt she + ought to be branded in some way, so that she and her vile trade + would be known wherever she went. A man went her bail, and she + flounced out in a cloud of patchouli.</p> + + <p>Two coloured girls were brought in, and sent up for thirty + days. Then several old women, the kind of human travesties + Jarvis had seen sleeping on the benches, were marched before + the judge, who called them all by name.</p> + + <p>"Well, Annie," he said to one of them, "you haven't been + here for some weeks. How did it happen this time?"</p> + + <p>"I've been a-walkin' all day, your honour. I guess I fell + asleep in the doorway."</p> + + <p>"You've been pretty good lately. I'll let you off easy. + Fine, one dollar."</p> + + <p>"Oh, thanks, your honour." She was led off, and Jarvis + sickened at the sight.</p> + + <p>A series of young girls followed, cheaply modish, with their + willow plumes and their vanity bags. Some cheerful, some + cynical, some defiant. One slip of a thing heard her sentence, + looked up in the judge's face, and laughed. Jarvis knew that + never, while he lived, would he forget that girl's laugh. It + was into the face of our whole hideous Society that she hurled + that bitter laugh.</p> + + <p>Then his girl was brought in. He saw her clearly for the + first time. A thin, wizened little face, framed in curly red + hair, with bright, birdlike eyes. Her thin, flat child's figure + was outlined in a tight, black satin dress, with a red collar + and sash. Her quick glance darted to him, and she smiled. The + policeman made his charge. The judge glanced at her.</p> + + <p>"Anything to say for yourself?"</p> + + <p>She shook her head wearily. Jarvis was out of his seat + before he thought.</p> + + <p>"I have something to say for her. I am the man she was + supposed to have approached."</p> + + <p>"Silence in the courtroom," said the judge, sternly.</p> + + <p>"She didn't say one word to me, except 'Good evening,' " + shouted Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"Is that the man?" the judge asked the officer.</p> + + <p>"Yes. He's made a lot of trouble, too, trying to make me + arrest him."</p> + + <p>"If you have any evidence to give in this case, come to the + front and be sworn in."</p> + + <p>Jarvis jumped the railing and stood before him. The oath was + administered.</p> + + <p>"Now, tell me, briefly, what the girl said to you."</p> + + <p>"She said, 'Hello, kid!' "</p> + + <p>A titter went over the courtroom. The clerk rapped for + order.</p> + + <p>"Then what happened?"</p> + + <p>"This officer arrested her. I told him what had passed + between us, and insisted on being arrested, too. We said the + same thing, the girl and I."</p> + + <p>"The girl has been here before. She has a record."</p> + + <p>"Where are the men she made the record with?" demanded + Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"We do not deal with that feature of it," replied the judge, + turning to the officer.</p> + + <p>"And why not?" demanded Jarvis. "It takes a solicitor and + the solicited to make a crime. What kind of laws are these + which hound women into the trade and hound them for following + it?"</p> + + <p>"It is neither the time nor the place to discuss that. The + case is dismissed. This court has no time to waste, Flynn, in + cases where there's no evidence," he added, sternly, to the + detective.</p> + + <p>The girl nodded to Jarvis and beckoned him, but instead of + following her he went back to his seat. He would follow this + ghastly puppet show to its end.</p> + + <p>At a word from the judge a tall, handsome, gray-haired woman + approached the bench. She wore no hat, and Jarvis marked her + broad brow and pleasant smile and the wise, philosophic eyes. + Her face looked cheerful and normal in this place of + abnormalities.</p> + + <p>"Who is that woman?" Jarvis asked his neighbour.</p> + + <p>"Probation officer," came the answer.</p> + + <p>Jarvis watched her with passionate interest. He noted her + low-voiced answers to the judge's questions about the girl in + hand. The curiosity seekers in the audience could not hear, no + matter how they craned their necks. He watched her calm smile + as she turned to take the girl off into her own office. He made + up his mind to talk with her before the night was over.</p> + + <p>Case followed case as the night wore on. It seemed to Jarvis + that this bedraggled line had neither beginning nor end. He saw + it winding through this place night after night, year after + year, the old-timers and the new recruits. Uptown reputable + citizens slept peacefully in their beds; this was no concern of + theirs. He was no better than the rest, with his precious + preaching about the brotherhood of man. What the body politic + needed was a surgeon to cut away this abscess, eating its youth + and strength.</p> + + <p>The screams of a girl who had just been given a sentence to + Bedford startled him out of his thoughts. She pleaded and + cried, she tried to throw herself at the judge's feet, but the + policeman dragged her out, the crowd craning forward with avid + interest. She was the last case before the court adjourned. + Jarvis leaned across the rail and asked the probation officer + if he might speak to her.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps you will walk along with me toward my home?" she + suggested. He gladly assented. In a few moments she came out, + hatted and ready for the street. She looked keenly at this + tall, serious youth who had so unexpectedly arraigned the + court.</p> + + <p>"My name is Jarvis Jocelyn," he began. "There are so many + things I want to ask you about."</p> + + <p>"I shall be glad to tell you what I can," she said + quietly.</p> + + <p>"Have you been in this work long?"</p> + + <p>"Eleven years."</p> + + <p>"Good God! how can you be so calm? How can you look so + hopeful?"</p> + + <p>"Because I am hopeful. In all the thousands of cases I have + known I have never once lost hope. When I do, my work is + over."</p> + + <p>"You're wonderful!" he exclaimed.</p> + + <p>"No, I am reasonable. I don't expect the impossible. I am + glad of every inch of ground gained. I don't demand an acre. If + one girl is rescued out of twenty——"</p> + + <p>"But why does it need to be at all?" Jarvis interrupted + her.</p> + + <p>"Why does disease need to be? Why does unhappiness need to + be, or war, or the money-lust that will one day wreck us? We + only know that these things are. Our business is to set about + doing what we can."</p> + + <p>"One girl out of twenty," he repeated. "What becomes of the + other nineteen?"</p> + + <p>"I said I was glad of one girl in twenty. Sometimes several + of the nineteen come out all right. Bedford helps a great many. + They marry, they keep straight, or—they die very + soon."</p> + + <p>"Tell me about Bedford."</p> + + <p>She outlined the work done in that farm home, which is such + a credit to New York. She told him of the honour system, and + all the modern methods employed there.</p> + + <p>"Can you get opportunities for girls who want the + chance?"</p> + + <p>"Plenty of them. I have only to ask. When I need money, it + comes. Lots of my girls are employed in uptown shops, leading + good, hard-working lives."</p> + + <p>"Where does this money come from?"</p> + + <p>"Private donations. That is one of my hope signs—the + widespread interest in rescue work."</p> + + <p>"The old ones—those aged women?"</p> + + <p>She sighed. "Yes, I know, they are terrible! There is a + mighty army of them in New York. We grind them in and out of + our courts, month after month. The institutions are all full. + There is so much grafting that the poor-farm has been delayed, + year after year, so there is no place to send them."</p> + + <p>"Where do they go?"</p> + + <p>"Into East River, most of them, in the end."</p> + + <p>"Do you mean to say that we pay the machinery of the law to + put these cases through the courts, over and over again, and + then provide no place to harbour the derelicts?"</p> + + <p>"That's about the case," she replied.</p> + + <p>"How can we live and endure such things?" Jarvis demanded + passionately.</p> + + <p>"I used to feel that way about it. I used to be sick through + and through with it, but I have grown to see that there is + improvement, that there is a new social sense growing among us. + Uptown women of leisure come to our night courts, take part in + our working-girls' strikes, and women, mind you, are always + slowest to feel and react to new forces. Don't be discouraged," + she smiled at him, stopping at the door.</p> + + <p>"May I come and see you, some time? Are you ever free, or + would that be asking too much?"</p> + + <p>"No. Come! Come in Sunday afternoon if you like."</p> + + <p>She held out her hand, and he grasped it warmly.</p> + + <p>"You're great," he said boyishly, at which she laughed.</p> + + <p>"We need you young enthusiasts," she said.</p> + + <p>As he walked uptown to his lodgings Jarvis faced the fact + that up to this present moment he had been on the wrong track. + He had tried to pull from the top. That was all right, if only + he also tried to push from the bottom. The world needed + idealists, but not the old brand, blind to the actual, teaching + out of a great ignorance. This probation officer woman, she was + the modern idealist, as modern as Jesus Christ, who worked in + the same spirit.</p> + + <p>He would finish his vision-plays, as he called them, because + he believed in them. But, in the meantime, he would learn + something of the real issues of men and women as they live in + great cities, so that he could write a play which would be so + true, so vital, that it would be like watching the beating of + the hot heart of life. That night was the beginning of a new + era for Jarvis.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XVII</h2> + + <p>Bambina Parkhurst was a young woman not much given to wrath, + but as she read the two letters from New York she grew + thoroughly enraged at Jarvis. Evidently, he had been + exceedingly rude to Mr. Strong, and evidently Mr. Strong had + been exceedingly annoyed. She was so furious at him that when + she sat down to her desk to write her daily chapters no ideas + came. Her mind just went over and over the situation of kind + Mr. Strong putting himself out to be polite for her + sake—Jarvis, stiff and ill-mannered, repulsing him. She + determined to omit the daily letter to the offender until she + cooled off. She gave up work for the morning and descended upon + Ardelia.</p> + + <p>"Ardelia, I am so mad I can't think of anything to do but + put up fruit."</p> + + <p>"Law, Miss Bambi, you ain't mad wif me, is you?"</p> + + <p>"No. I'm mad with man."</p> + + <p>"Man! Wat's the Perfessor bin doin'? Has he don' forgot + somfin'?"</p> + + <p>"It isn't the Professor. It's the sex."</p> + + <p>"Well, don' you go meddlin' round wid fruit and gettin' yo' + hands stained up, jus' caus' yo's mad wid de + sex."</p><a name="Fig08"></a> + + <div class="figure" + style="width: 448px;"> + <img src="illustrations/Fig08.jpg" + width="400" + height="351" + alt=""><br> + + + <p class="caption">"I HAVE GOT TO DO SOMETHING VIOLENT, + ARDELIA. I AM GOING TO JERK THE STEMS OFF OF BERRIES, CHOP + THE PITS OUT OF CHERRIES, AND SKIN PEACHES."</p> + </div><br> + + + <p>"I have got to do something violent, Ardelia. I am going to + jerk the stems off of berries, chop the pits out of cherries, + and skin peaches."</p> + + <p>"Laws a-massy, you suttinly is fierce this mohnin'. All + right, go ahead, but der ain't no need of it. I mos' generally + always has put up the fruit for the fam'ly wifout no help."</p> + + <p>"I know you don't need me, Ardelia, but I need you."</p> + + <p>"Well, chile, heah's de fust few bushels ob cherries."</p> + + <p>"Bushels? Mercy on us! Are you going to do all those?"</p> + + <p>"Yassum. And den some more. Dat's the Perfessor's favourite + fruit."</p> + + <p>Bambi was promptly enveloped in a huge apron and settled on + the back piazza, surrounded with pans and baskets. Ardelia + stood by, and handed her things, until she got started.</p> + + <p>"Hurry up, and come out, Ardelia. I want you to talk to me + and take my mind off of things."</p> + + <p>"I'll be 'long, by and by."</p> + + <p>Bambi held up a bright-red cherry, named it Jarvis, pulled + out its stem, cut out its heart, and finally plumped it into + her mouth and chewed it viciously. Then she felt better. There + was a cool morning breeze lifting the leaves of the big elms, + and nodding the hollyhocks' heads. The sound of late summer + buzzing and humming, and bird songs, made the back porch a + pleasant, placid spot—no place in which to keep rage + hot.</p> + + <p>Ardelia lumbered out, after a while, to sit near by, her + slow movements and her beaming smile far from conducive to a + state of excitement.</p> + + <p>"Mighty purty out here, ain't it?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"I reckon Massa Jarvis be mighty glad to be home, a-sittin' + here a-seedin' cherries 'longside ob you?"</p> + + <p>"Jarvis never did anything so useful. As for being alongside + of me, that doesn't interest him at all."</p> + + <p>"Yo're suttinly the onlovingest bride and groom I've eber + seen. You ain't neber lovin' nor kissin' nor nottin', when I + come aroun'."</p> + + <p>"Mercy no, Ardelia!"</p> + + <p>"I 'low if I was married to such a han'som' man, like Massa + Jarvis, I'd be a lovin' ob him all the time."</p> + + <p>"Suppose he wouldn't let you?"</p> + + <p>"Can't tell me der's a man libin' who wouldn't be crazy fur + yo' to lub him, Miss Bambi. Look at dat Mister Strong keeps + a-comin' here."</p> + + <p>"What about him?" asked Bambi in surprise.</p> + + <p>"I see him lookin' at you. I see him."</p> + + <p>"Nonsense! He has to look at me to talk with me."</p> + + <p>"He don' need to do no talkin', wid his eyes a-workin' like + dat."</p> + + <p>"You old romancer!"</p> + + <p>"Look a-heah, chile, dose cherries fo' to preserve. Dey + ain't fo' eatin'. You're eatin' two and puttin' one in de + pan."</p> + + <p>Bambi made a face at her.</p> + + <p>"What is your opinion of men, Ardelia?"</p> + + <p>"I tink dey's all right in dey place."</p> + + <p>"Where's their place?"</p> + + <p>"Out in the kennel wid the dawg!" said Ardelia, shaking with + laughter. "All 'cepin' the Perfessor and Massa Jarvis," she + added.</p> + + <p>"You think they are a lower order, do you?"</p> + + <p>"Yassum. I sho' do. Mos' of dem just clutterin' up the + earth."</p> + + <p>"That's the reason you don't take that Johnson man on for + good, is it?"</p> + + <p>"Sho'! I ain't a-goin' to cook and wash fo' no nigger dat + ain't got no appreciashun, when I can cook and wash fo' the + Perfessor dat know a lady when he sees her."</p> + + <p>"But he so infrequently sees her," giggled Bambi, <i>sotto + voce</i>.</p> + + <p>"No, ma'am, I's eatin' my white bread right here, and I + knows it. I ain't goin' to experimentify wid no marryin', nor + givin' in marriage."</p> + + <p>"In your case, I believe you're right. In my own, however, I + know that, mad as I am this morning, 'experimentification' is + the breath of life to me."</p> + + <p>They spent the morning in such peaceful converse. While + Bambi may not have added greatly to the cherry-pitting, she + rose rested and with a collected mind.</p> + + <p>"Ardelia, I thank you for a dose of calm," she said, laying + her hand affectionately on the black woman's broad + shoulder.</p> + + <p>"Law, honey, I done enjoyed your sassiety," she said, + laughing and patting her hand.</p> + + <p>Within the course of a few days Bambi had an appeal from + Jarvis:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote" + style="margin-bottom: 0em;">"Are you ill? Is anything + the matter? Are you merely tired of me that you do not + write? Your letters are the only event of my days."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>This gave her the chance she wanted.</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote" + style="margin-bottom: 0em;">"You seem to be unaware, my + dear Jarvis, that in offering a rude rebuff to Mr. + Strong you offended me, since he is my good friend and + came to see you at my request. I think you made as poor + an impression on him as he did upon you, at the time of + your meeting, and it was as a politeness to me that he + came to look you up. I think an apology to both of us is + rather necessary."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>A week elapsed, with no reply. Then came a characteristic + answer:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote" + style="margin-bottom: 0em;">"DEAR BAMBI: Please find + enclosed copy of apology sent Strong to-day. I don't + like him, but I have apologized. I also apologize to + you. Please don't omit letters any more. They mean a + great deal these days."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>She pondered this for some time. That Jarvis was going + through new and trying experiences she realized. But this human + appeal for her letters was so unlike the old Jarvis that she + had to read it many times to believe it was actually there.</p> + + <p>She wrote him at once, accepting his apology gracefully.</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote" + style="margin-bottom: 0em;">"Can't you come out for a + few days' rest here, and go back in time to hear + Frohman's verdict? We'd love to have you, especially the + Professor and Ardelia."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>He answered that it was impossible to get away now. Later, + possibly, he might come. He was grateful for the invitation. He + never mentioned how he lived, and she did not ask him. The + Professor's check he returned, with a note of thanks, saying he + did not need it. The summer went by and fall came to town. + Still there was no word of his return.</p> + + <p>"My, this is a fat letter from Jarvis! Frohman must have + accepted the play!" exclaimed Bambi one morning in September. + She opened out the thick, folded paper.</p> + + <p>"It's poetry," she added. " 'Songs of the Street,' If he's + gone back to poetry, I'm afraid he's lost."</p> + + <p>She began to glance through them.</p> + + <p>"My dear, I've asked you for coffee twice."</p> + + <p>"These are powerful and ugly. Think of Jarvis seeing these + things."</p> + + <p>"Coffee," reiterated the Professor.</p> + + <p>"Yes, yes. You must read these. They're upsetting. I wonder + what is happening to Jarvis."</p> + + <p>"Is he in trouble?"</p> + + <p>"No, he doesn't say so. But there's a new note in + these."</p> + + <p>"Coffee," repeated the Professor, patiently.</p> + + <p>"For goodness' sake, father, stop shouting coffee. You are + the epitome of the irritating this morning."</p> + + <p>"I always am until I have my coffee."</p> + + <p>All day long Bambi thought about Jarvis's "Street Songs." It + was not the things themselves. They were crude enough, in + spots, but it was the new sense in Jarvis that made him see and + understand human suffering. She felt an irresistible impulse to + take the next train and go to him. Would he be glad to see her? + For the first time she wanted him, eagerly. But the impulse + passed, and weeks stretched into months. She worked steadily at + the book, which grew apace. She loved every word of it. + Sometimes she wondered what would become of her without that + work, during this waiting time, while Jarvis was making his + career. For, in her mind, she always thought of herself and her + writing as a side issue of no moment. Jarvis's work was the + big, important thing in her life.</p> + + <p>He wrote freely about his work on the other plays, asking + her judgment and advice, as he had on "Success." She gave her + best thought and closest attention to the problems he put to + her, and he showed the same respect for her decisions.</p> + + <p>The six weeks grew into two months, and no answer from the + Frohman offices. He wrote her that he went in there every other + day, but could get no satisfaction. They always said his play + was in the hands of the readers. It had to take its turn.</p> + + <p>He finished "The Vision" and offered it to Winthrop Ames, of + the Little Theatre. "I am hopeful of this man. I have never + seen him, but the theatre is well bred, and, to my surprise, a + capable, intelligent secretary received me courteously in the + office and promised a quick reading. This augurs well for the + man at the head of it, I think."</p> + + <p>In reply to her insistence that he must come for + Thanksgiving, he told her that he had made a vow that he would + never come back to her until he had absolutely succeeded or + hopelessly failed. "If you knew how hard it is to keep that + resolve you would be kind, and not ask me again," he added.</p> + + <p>A little piqued, and yet proud, Bambi reported his decision + to the Professor, and began to turn over in her busy mind a + plan to carry the mountain to Mohammed, if Christmas found the + wanderer still obdurate.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XVIII</h2> + + <p>Jarvis certainly had matriculated in the school of + experience, and he entered in the freshman class. He first + wrote a series of articles dealing with the historical + development of the drama. He took them to the Munsey offices + and offered them to Mr. Davis.</p> + + <p>"Did you intend these for <i>Munsey's</i> Magazine?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. I thought possibly——"</p> + + <p>"Ever read a copy of the <i>Magazine?</i>"</p> + + <p>"No. I think not."</p> + + <p>"Well, if you intend to make a business of selling stuff to + magazines, young man, it would pay you to study the market. + What you are trying to do is to unload coal on a sugar + merchant. This stuff belongs in the <i>Atlantic Monthly</i>, or + some literary magazine."</p> + + <p>"Isn't your magazine literary?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly not in that sense. We publish a dozen magazines + and this kind of thing doesn't fit any of them. We entertain + the public—we rarely instruct them."</p> + + <p>"I see. I'm obliged to you for your trouble. I'll try the + <i>Atlantic</i>."</p> + + <p>"Bring in some stories, light, entertaining stuff with a + snap, and we will take them."</p> + + <p>"Thanks! 'Fraid that isn't in my line."</p> + + <p>Jarvis went over to the Public Library and deliberately + studied the style of stuff used by the various monthly + publications, making notes.</p> + + <p>For the next few days he worked all day and a good part of + the night on things he thought he could sell, according to + these notes. Then he began a campaign to peddle them. The + <i>Atlantic</i> refused his drama articles, and he tried them + elsewhere, with no success. The other things were equally a + drug on the market. He saved postage by taking them to the + editors' offices himself, and calling for them in ten days or + so. He always found them ready for him. He took a cheaper room, + and got down to one square meal a day. Finally, an opportunity + came for him to review some books for a literary supplement of + a newspaper. Confident that his luck had changed, he proceeded + to demolish three out of the four books assigned to him in the + most scathing reviews, whereupon the editor paid him half price + and dismissed him.</p> + + <p>The week when things reached the lowest ebb he was summoned + by a postal from an acquaintance, made during one of his night + prowls, an old English cabman. When he arrived at the address + indicated he found the old man sick in bed with rheumatism. He + wanted Jarvis to drive his hansom for a week, on a percentage, + until he could get about again. There was no choice. It was + that or the park benches, so Jarvis accepted. Old Hicks fitted, + or rather misfitted, him in a faded blue tailed coat and a + topper, Jarvis looked like an Otto Gushing cartoon of Apollo in + the attire, but he never once thought of that. He hitched up + the bony old horse, mounted the box, with full instructions as + to traffic rules, and headed for the avenue. He found the new + trade amusing. He drove ladies on shopping tours, took nurses + and their charges around the Park. He did not notice that his + face and manners caused many a customer to stare in + astonishment. When one woman said audibly to her companion, + "Good heavens! what a handsome creature!" he never dreamed she + referred to him.</p> + + <p>It was the fourth day of his employment as a cabby when a + summons came from the Frohman offices bidding him appear at the + theatre at eleven o'clock on the following day. It was + embarrassing. Old Hicks was entirely dependent on what Jarvis + brought in at night, and they could neither of them afford to + have the cab idle a full day. So he decided to stop at the + theatre in the morning, and then deduct his time off duty. + Promptly at eleven the cab arrived at the Empire Theatre and + Jarvis descended from the box. He gave the boy a cent to hold + his horse, although nothing except a bushel of oats could have + urged the old bone-rack into motion. Up to the booth window he + marched, and presented the letter. The boy inspected the old + blue coat, the topper, and the worn gloves.</p> + + <p>"Character costume," he grinned: then he opened the letter, + and his face changed.</p> + + <p>"Excuse me, sir, I'll see if Mr. Frohman will see you."</p> + + <p>He was out and back, almost at once, bowing and holding the + door open.</p> + + <p>"Right ahead, into the private office," he said, + importantly. A clerk took charge of our hero at the far door, + announcing formally, "Mr. Jarvis Jocelyn, Mr. Frohman."</p> + + <p>Jarvis entered the big room and crossed eyes with the man at + the far end. What Mr. Frohman saw was a tall, splendidly set-up + youth, with a head held high, and a fearless, free carriage, + attired in the very strange and battered habiliments of a + cabby. What Jarvis saw was a fat little man, with a round face, + sharp, twinkling eyes, and a genial mouth. The whole face had a + humorous cast, a kindly expression.</p> + + <p>"You are Jarvis Jocelyn?" said Mr. Frohman, as Jarvis + reached him.</p> + + <p>"I am."</p> + + <p>"You wrote a play called 'Success'?"</p> + + <p>"I did."</p> + + <p>"I've read your play."</p> + + <p>"That's good."</p> + + <p>"Well, the play isn't," Frohman interrupted, "It is + extremely bad, but there are some ideas in it, and one good + part."</p> + + <p>"The woman, you mean?"</p> + + <p>"The woman nothing. She's a wooden peg to hang your ideas + on. I mean the man she married."</p> + + <p>"But he is so unimportant," Jarvis protested.</p> + + <p>"He was important enough to get this interview. I never + would have bothered with you, or with your play, if it hadn't + been for that character. He's new."</p> + + <p>"You want me to make him a bigger part in the play?"</p> + + <p>"My advice is to throw this play in the wastebasket and + write one about that man."</p> + + <p>"Will you produce it if I do?"</p> + + <p>"Probably not, but I'll look it over. What else have you + done?"</p> + + <p>"I have finished two things. One I call 'The + Vision'—this is a Brotherhood of Man play—the other + I call 'Peace,' and it's a dramatization of the Universal Peace + idea."</p> + + <p>"Why don't you write something human? Nobody wants + dramatized movements. The public wants people, personalities, + things we all know and feel. You can't get much thrill out of + Universal Peace."</p> + + <p>"But I believe the public should be taught."</p> + + <p>"Yes, I know. I get all of you 'uplift boys' sooner or + later. Teach them all you like, but learn your trade so + thoroughly that they will have no idea that they are being + taught. That is the function of the artist-playwright. What do + you do besides write plays?"</p> + + <p>"Just at present I drive a cab," Jarvis answered simply.</p> + + <p>"You don't say? How does that happen?"</p> + + <p>"I was up against it for money, and I took this to oblige a + friend cabby who has rheumatism."</p> + + <p>" 'Pon my word! How long have you been at it?"</p> + + <p>"This is my fifth day."</p> + + <p>"Business good?" The manager's eyes twinkled. Jarvis smiled + gravely.</p> + + <p>"I have been wishing it would rain," he confessed.</p> + + <p>"When do you write?"</p> + + <p>"At night, now. But this is only temporarily."</p> + + <p>"What do you think of my idea of another play?"</p> + + <p>"The idea is all right, if you will only take it when I've + done it."</p> + + <p>"How long have you been at this play writing?"</p> + + <p>"Three years."</p> + + <p>"How long do you suppose it took me to learn to be a + manager?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know."</p> + + <p>"Well, nearer three times ten than three years, and I am + still learning. You writing fellows never want to learn your + trade like other people. You talk about inspiration and + uplifting the public, and all that, and you want to do it in + six months. You go to work on this new idea, and come back here + when you've finished it. Then it will be time enough to talk + about my end of it."</p> + + <p>Jarvis rose.</p> + + <p>"I am obliged to you, sir. I shall do it."</p> + + <p>Mr. Frohman held out his hand. "Good luck to you. I shall + hope for rain."</p> + + <p>"Thanks! Good morning, sir."</p> + + <p>With the perfect ease of a lack of self-consciousness Jarvis + made his exit, leaving Mr. Frohman with a twinkle in his + eyes.</p> + + <p>The rest of the day a certain blond cabman on the avenue + drove to Franklin Simon's when he was ordered to Altman's, drew + up in state at McCreery's when he was told Bonwit Teller's.</p> + + <p>"You must be drunk, driver," said one passenger. She held up + her dollar bill, indignantly, to dismiss him. He lifted his + hat, perfunctorily, and swept a bow.</p> + + <p>"I am, madam, intoxicated with my own thoughts." He rattled + off down the street, leaving the woman rooted to the curb with + astonishment.</p><a name="Fig09"></a> + + <div class="figure" + style="width: 398px;"> + <img src="illustrations/Fig09.jpg" + width="350" + height="580" + alt=""><br> + + + <p class="caption">HE TAUGHT HIMSELF TO ABANDON HIS OLD + INTROSPECTIVE HABITS DURING THESE DAYS ON THE BOX.</p> + </div><br> + + + <p>He taught himself to abandon his old, introspective habits + during these days on the box, and forced his attention to fix + itself upon the crowds, his customers, the whole uptown + panorama, so different from the night crowds he sought. He + recalled Bambi's saying to him that until he learned not to + exclude any of the picture he would never do big work. Her + words had a tantalizing way of coming back to him, things she + had tossed off in the long ago of their visit to New York + together. He longed for her vivid phrasing, her quick dart at + the heart of the things they talked of. It seemed incredible + now that he had ever taken her as a matter of course. As for + the enigma of her marrying him, he never ceased to ponder + it.</p> + + <p>True to his promise, he went to call on the "Probation + Lady," as he named her, and they became friends. He admired her + enormously, and owed much to her wise philosophy. He asked her + to go riding in his cab, and she accepted without hesitation. + They rode from five to seven, one afternoon, conversing through + the shutter in the top of the cab, laughing and enjoying + themselves hugely, to the great amusement of pedestrians along + the way.</p> + + <p>At the end of two weeks he and Hicks divided the spoils, and + Hicks resumed the box. It cemented a friendship which Jarvis + enjoyed greatly, for the old Englishman was ripe with humour + and experience. He, too, taught the teacher.</p> + + <p>The day after he was free from cab duty Jarvis went to the + Little Theatre to get a report from "The Vision." The secretary + said Mr. Ames had asked to see him when he came in. He found + him a lean student type of man, finished in manner, and + pleasant of speech.</p> + + <p>"I have been interested in this play of yours, Mr. Jocelyn. + I couldn't do it, in my theatre, but I thought I would like to + have a talk with you and ask you what else you've done."</p> + + <p>"A woman-question play, called 'Success,' this one, and one + on Universal Peace."</p> + + <p>"All serious?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly. Why do managers always ask that?"</p> + + <p>"Because serious plays are so many, I suppose. Good comedies + are so few."</p> + + <p>"I thought you always gave serious things in the Little + Theatre?"</p> + + <p>"I am forced to, but I am always looking for good comedy. I + would like to see your other plays."</p> + + <p>They sat, discussing things of the theatre, tendencies in + drama, fashions and fads, Gordon Craig's book, the Rheinhardt + idea. They spent a pleasant half hour, like an oasis in + Jarvis's desert. He felt that Mr. Ames had time for him, was + sincere in his interest in him. He left the Little Theatre + cheered in some inexplicable way.</p> + + <p>When he returned to his lodgings that day he found a note + from Strong, forwarded from the old address. It acknowledged + Jarvis's apology gracefully, and suggested that they dine + together the night of this very day, unless Jarvis was again + engaged, in which case he might telephone, and they would make + other plans. Jarvis frowned over it ten minutes.</p> + + <p>"Might as well go and get it over," he remarked + ungraciously. He telephoned Strong his acceptance, and asked if + he might meet him at the restaurant. He did not wish Strong to + know the new address. He would keep his struggle and his + poverty to himself. That was certain.</p> + + <p>The two men met at a roof garden, each determined to + suppress his instinctive dislike of the other because of Bambi. + They found a table, and after a short period of stiffness they + fell into easy talk of books and plays and men.</p> + + <p>"How do you like New York? I remember you confessed to + hating cities when I saw you."</p> + + <p>"I still hate cities, but I am getting a new point of view + about it all."</p> + + <p>"It's a great school."</p> + + <p>"So it is."</p> + + <p>"Is Mrs. Jocelyn well, and the Professor?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, thank you."</p> + + <p>"It is some time since you were home?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"I had a note from Mrs. Jocelyn a few days ago."</p> + + <p>"Did you?"</p> + + <p>"I wonder if you would let me see your 'Songs of the + Street,' she told me about?"</p> + + <p>"She spoke of them to you?"</p> + + <p>"In the highest terms. Said she had no idea of your plans in + regard to them, but that the poems were strong and true."</p> + + <p>"I am glad she liked them."</p> + + <p>"Would you consider letting me have them for the magazine if + they seemed to fit our needs?"</p> + + <p>"You can look them over, if you like. They won't fit, + though. They'll stick out like a sore thumb. The only editor I + showed them to said they weren't prose, and they weren't + poetry, and, besides, he didn't like them."</p> + + <p>"Mail them to me to-night when you go home. Better still, + bring them in."</p> + + <p>Jarvis drew out an envelope that he pushed across the table + to Strong.</p> + + <p>"Look them over now," he said.</p> + + <p>Strong lifted his brows slightly, but took the proffered + pages and began to read. While his host was so busied, Jarvis + smoked a good cigar, the first in months, and enjoyed it. He + didn't care whether Strong liked them or not. Strong looked up + suddenly.</p> + + <p>"I'll take these, Jocelyn. What do you want for them?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I don't know. What are they worth to you?"</p> + + <p>"I'll pay two hundred dollars for them. Is that + satisfactory?"</p> + + <p>"Perfectly."</p> + + <p>"I'll mail you a check in the morning. I should say you have + been learning things, Jocelyn. That is good stuff."</p> + + <p>"I told you I was getting a new point of view."</p> + + <p>At the close of the evening the two men parted with a + surreptitious feeling that they would have liked each other + under any other circumstances. They promised to meet soon + again. As for Jarvis, he felt that a golden egg had been laid + for him in the middle of the table on the Astor roof! The one + thing that stood out in his mind was the thought that he could + go home—home, to see Bambi. The only regret was that + Strong had made it possible.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XIX</h2> + + <p>The day came, in early December, when Bambi put the last + word, the last period, to her book. Instead of a moment of high + relief and of pride, as she had foreseen it, it was with a sigh + of regret that she laid down her pen. She felt as a mother + might feel who sends her child out to make its own way when she + had put her last, finishing mother-touch upon his training. + There would never be another first book. No matter how crude or + how young this firstling might come to seem to her, there would + never be such another. No such thrills, no such building as + made this first-born dear, could go in another book. Then there + was the pleasure in her new bank account, with the sense of + freedom it brought. She could indulge herself in pretty things. + She could buy little presents for people she loved. Best of + all, she laid aside an amount which she called the + "Homeseeker's Fund," to be used for that home which she and + Jarvis would establish some day. She had won her independence, + and it was sweet.</p> + + <p>Mr. Strong was attending to the publication of the story in + book form. And it was to be on the Christmas stalls, appearing + simultaneously with the last chapters of the magazine. He was + already begging her to promise a new serial for the coming + year.</p> + + <p>It seemed incredible that so much could have happened to her + in the ten months that she had been married to Jarvis. Her + threatened career, which seemed such a joke to her family, was + here; she was well launched upon it, with the two scoffers + still in ignorance of the fact. So she mused, as she sat at her + desk, the heap of completed last chapters piled before her. + Ardelia broke in upon her meditations.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Strong in here!"</p> + + <p>"Who?"</p> + + <p>"Mr. Strong!"</p> + + <p>"Mr. Strong! Why, he sent me no word. I didn't expect + him!"</p> + + <p>"I can't help that. He's here, settin' in the liberry."</p> + + <p>"Dear me!" said Bambi. "Say I'll be down at once. Wait! Help + me to get into my gray gown before you go."</p> + + <p>"You look all right de way you is."</p> + + <p>"No, no. This man lives in New York, Ardelia. He's used to + real clothes."</p> + + <p>"I wish he'd stay in New York."</p> + + <p>"What's the matter with Mr. Strong? I thought you liked + him!"</p> + + <p>"He's gettin' too frequentious round here, to suit me."</p> + + <p>"You silly thing, we have business to talk over. Hurry on, + now, and say I'll be down in a minute."</p> + + <p>Ardelia lumbered out, disapproval in every inch of her + back.</p> + + <p>Richard Strong turned away from the log fire at the sound of + Bambi's footsteps running down the stairs. The soft gray gown + clung to her, and floated behind her, its ashen monotone making + her face more vivid than ever. Her cheeks were pink, and her + eyes looked gray-green in the shadowy room, with the deep, + shining fire of opals. Both hands went out to his impulsive + greeting.</p> + + <p>"Welcome!" she said, smiling.</p> + + <p>"Aren't you surprised?"</p> + + <p>"I'm pleased. Why should I be surprised?"</p> + + <p>"It is so unheard of, for me to be running out of town on + unexpected visits to a lady, that it seems as if everybody must + be as surprised as I am."</p> + + <p>"The lady was thinking of you when your name was announced, + which may account for her nonsurprise."</p> + + <p>"Really?" he said so warmly that she blushed a bit.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I finished the book to-day. I was thinking it all + over—this last year. My new sense of getting somewhere, + and of you—the big part you play in it all. Have I ever + told you how utterly grateful I am?"</p> + + <p>He looked down at her, sunk among the cushions of the big + couch, before replying.</p> + + <p>"I think you need not say it," he replied. "I have been so + richly rewarded in knowing you."</p> + + <p>"Thanks, friend."</p> + + <p>"You've been my secret garden this last year."</p> + + <p>"Oh, that is nice of you," she interrupted, sensing an + undercurrent of feeling. "If I am your secret garden, you're my + secret well, because nobody knows about us."</p> + + <p>"You haven't told them yet?"</p> + + <p>"No. When the book comes out I shall give them each a copy, + and run and hide while they read it."</p> + + <p>"Little girl," he smiled at her, "what do you think brought + me down here to-day?"</p> + + <p>"No idea."</p> + + <p>"Guess."</p> + + <p>"Can't. Never guessed anything in my life."</p> + + <p>He took a letter from his pocket and handed it to her.</p> + + <p>"I am to read this?"</p> + + <p>He nodded. She opened it and read:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote"><i>"Mr. Richard Strong, New York + City.</i></p> + + <p class="quote">"My DEAR MR. STRONG: I have read, with + very great interest, a serial story, published in your + magazine, entitled 'Francesca.' I feel that there is the + making of a delightful comedy in the plot of this novel, + and I write to ask you whether it would be possible for me + to secure the dramatic rights from the author. As the story + is anonymous, I appeal to you to put me in touch with the + writer in question. I shall appreciate an immediate + reply.</p> + + <p class="quote">"With thanks to you, in advance, + Sincerely,</p> + + <p class="closing">"CHARLES FROHMAN,</p> + + <p class="closing">"Empire Theatre, New York City."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>"Am I dreaming this? Does this mean my book?"</p> + + <p>He smiled at her earnestness.</p> + + <p>"It does. I came down to talk it over with you and see what + you wanted me to do."</p> + + <p>"What do you think about it, yourself?"</p> + + <p>"I think it's a great idea. It will advertise the book + enormously. The book will help the play. In the meantime, they + both advertise you."</p> + + <p>"A play made of my thoughts? It's too wonderful," said + Bambi. "Do you suppose he'd let me make the play?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know. Would you like to? Do you think you + could?"</p> + + <p>"I do. I've learned lots through——" She stopped + of a sudden, and gazed at him. "Why, Jarvis must make the play, + of course. Why didn't I think of it?"</p> + + <p>"Mr. Frohman would, no doubt, wish to choose the playwright, + in case you didn't make the dramatic version yourself."</p> + + <p>"But why couldn't Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"Jarvis is totally unknown, you know, and so far + unsuccessful in playmaking. You could hardly expect Mr. Frohman + to risk a tyro."</p> + + <p>She looked at him indignantly. He rated Jarvis like a Dun's + Agency.</p> + + <p>"But I'm a tyro. Yet you think he might let me do it?"</p> + + <p>"Excuse me, you are not a tyro. You are the author of one of + the season's most-talked-of books. Your name, in a double + rôle, on Mr. Frohman's three-sheets, will be a fine + card."</p> + + <p>"All I know about play writing I learned from Jarvis," she + protested.</p> + + <p>"Well, I didn't come to argue about Jarvis's ability or + accomplishment, you know. Do you wish me to tell Frohman who + you are, or will you come to town and see him yourself?"</p> + + <p>"I'd love to go see him. Isn't this exciting?" she cried, as + the full force of what she was saying came to her. "Oh, it's + fun to do things, and be somebody, isn't it?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know. I never tried it."</p> + + <p>"You! How absurd! Distinguished you, saying that to a + nouveau like me, when there would have been no me except for + you."</p> + + <p>"That's complicated, but delightful of you, no matter how + untrue it is."</p> + + <p>"It is true. If you hadn't happened to like the first story + I happened to write, we would never be here discussing my first + play, which Mr. Frohman happens to want. It's all you."</p> + + <p>Mr. Strong suddenly leaned over her, so that she felt his + breath on her hair.</p> + + <p>"Francesca, if it only were all me," he said with unexpected + passion. She looked up at him, frightened, amazed.</p> + + <p>"Oh, you mustn't do that!" she breathed. He straightened up + at once.</p> + + <p>"You're right. I beg your pardon. 'Twas just a slip."</p> + + <p>He took a turn up and down the room, and when he came back + to the hearth rug he spoke in his usual matter-of-fact way.</p> + + <p>"I am to make an appointment, then, for you, with Mr. + Frohman, at his office?"</p> + + <p>"If you will," she answered gratefully.</p> + + <p>"When will you come to New York?"</p> + + <p>"Any day you can get the appointment. The sooner the + better."</p> + + <p>"All right." He looked at his watch. "I must get that 5:40 + back to New York."</p> + + <p>"Oh, you'll stay to dinner, and spend the night?"</p> + + <p>"No, thanks. I must get back."</p> + + <p>"But the Professor will never forgive me."</p> + + <p>"You must make a good case for me. I really must go."</p> + + <p>She rose to give him her hand.</p> + + <p>"It was so good of you to come with this wonderful news, + that 'thank you' is inadequate."</p> + + <p>"I thought we had agreed not to say 'thank you' to each + other."</p> + + <p>"You never have any occasion to say it to me," she smiled + ruefully.</p> + + <p>"Haven't I? I think you don't know——" She + interrupted him nervously.</p> + + <p>"Friends don't need thank-yous. We will discard them."</p> + + <p>"Good! Can I be of service in getting you to Mr. Frohman's + office?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. Jarvis will take me."</p> + + <p>"To be sure. For the moment I had forgotten Jarvis."</p> + + <p>"I'll telephone you when I go to town, and find out about my + plans."</p> + + <p>"Thank you."</p> + + <p>He took her hand and held it a moment.</p> + + <p>"Forgive me when I seem a bad friend. Trust me."</p> + + <p>"I do, Richard, I do."</p> + + <p>"Oh, thank you. May I say Francesca?"</p> + + <p>"If you like. No one ever calls me by that name."</p> + + <p>"That's why I choose it. Good-bye. My regards to the + father."</p> + + <p>"Good-bye, friend. I'm ecstatic over your news."</p> + + <p>"So am I over any news that brings you happiness. Good + night."</p> + + <p>After he left she sank down on the couch again, her brain + awhirl of her new sensations and ideas. That Richard Strong had + learned to care for her, during these months of intimate + association over the story, came with as great a surprise as + the astonishing demand of Mr. Frohman. Her own thoughts had + been so free of sentiment in regard to him; she went over every + step of their advancing friendship, asking herself how much she + was to blame for his outburst. She had only exerted her wiles + for histrionic purposes on the occasion of his first visit. He + certainly could not have misunderstood her intentions, then, + when she had deliberately explained them to him. After close + examination she exonerated herself.</p> + + <p>Then, and only then, was she free to indulge her thoughts in + the joyous news he had brought her. Chin on hand, before the + fire, she worked it out. She and Jarvis would write the play + together, together they would go through all the exciting + stages of rehearsal and trying out, together they would make + their bow before the curtain and their first-night's speech. + She decided what kind of frock she would wear. It was all + picturesque and successful. She never faced the possibility of + failure. Jarvis's name would be made as a playwright. At the + thought that she was to bring him his opportunity at last, she + flushed and smiled, though her eyes misted.</p> + + <p>Then she began to plan how she would tell it to Jarvis, the + story of her adventuring into the new field, her swift success, + and now this last laurel leaf. Suddenly a new idea lifted its + head. Suppose Jarvis refused to come into his own, under her + mantle, as it were? He would be proud and glad for her, of + course, but maybe he would resent taking his first chance from + her hands. With knitted brow she pondered that for some time. + The more she thought of it, the more convinced she became that + even though he accepted it, and showed gratitude, deep down in + his heart would be the feeling that he would be only + contributing to her success, that was in no way his own. Long + she sat, and finally she laughed, nodded her head, and clapped + her hands.</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes, that's the way!" said she.</p> + + <p>The Professor came in upon her at this point.</p> + + <p>"Are you saying an incantation, my dear?"</p> + + <p>"No, offering thanks to the gods."</p> + + <p>"For what?"</p> + + <p>"For the most unconscionable luck."</p> + + <p>"In what form, may I ask?"</p> + + <p>"Look at me!" she ordered.</p> + + <p>He fixed his faded eyes on her closely.</p> + + <p>"I see you."</p> + + <p>"See how pretty I am?"</p> + + <p>"You're not bad-looking."</p> + + <p>"Bad-looking? I'm extremely near to being a beauty. Look at + the father I have—distinguished, delightful!"</p> + + <p>"Oh, my dear!"</p> + + <p>"Look at the husband the gods gave me!"</p> + + <p>"Yes, your long-distance husband."</p> + + <p>"Look at Ardelia! Who ever heard of such a cook? Consider my + brains."</p> + + <p>"There, I grant you."</p> + + <p>"Besides that, I am the sole possessor of a secret which is + too perfectly delicious to be true."</p> + + <p>"Do you intend to tell this secret to me?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, as soon as it is ripe."</p> + + <p>She caught his hands and whirled him about.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Professor, Professor, you ought to be very glad that + you are related to me!"</p> + + <p>"Bambina, one moment. I dislike being jerked around like a + live jumping-jack."</p> + + <p>"It's evident I didn't get my dancing talents from you, old + centipede. Sit down, and I'll dance a joy dance."</p> + + <p>She pushed him on the couch, and began a wild, fantastic + dance on the hearth rug before him, the firelight flashing + through the thin, gray draperies. Even the Professor breathed a + little faster as the lithe figure swayed and bent and curved + into wonderful lines, which melted ever into new ones. It was + young, elemental joy, every step of it; sexless, no Bacchante + dance, but rather a paeon of ecstasy, such as a dryad might + have danced in the woods. At the climax she stood poised, her + arms lifted in exultation. Then she dropped beside him.</p> + + <p>"My child!" he exclaimed. "That was most extraordinary! + Where did you learn it?"</p> + + <p>"Ages back, when I lived in a tree."</p> + + <p>"It must be a happy secret to make you dance like that."</p> + + <p>"Oh," said she, snuggling up to him, putting her head on his + shoulder, "it is the gayest, pleasantest, hopefulest secret a + girl ever had. If I don't hold my hands over my mouth, it will + break out of me."</p> + + <p>"Does Jarvis know?"</p> + + <blockquote> + "Oats, peas, beans, and barley grows,<br> + You, nor he, nor nobody knows!" + </blockquote> + + <p>she laughed. "It's going to be the most amusing moment of my + life when I spring it on the two of you."</p> + + <p>"When is that to be?"</p> + + <p>"Curiosity is death to mathematicians," she warned him, nor + could he extract another word from behind the hand she held + over her laughing mouth.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XX</h2> + + <p>"Appointment at three o'clock, Tuesday afternoon," announced + Strong's wire on Monday morning.</p> + + <p>"Hurray!" shouted Bambi, rushing into the kitchen to break + the news to Ardelia, since the Professor was not there.</p> + + <p>"Noo Yawk, bress yo'! Ain't dat fine? Yo' gwine see Mistah + Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"Of course I'll see him."</p> + + <p>"Yo' can tote him back home, mebbe."</p> + + <p>"I'll take the early morning train to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"I reckon I'll fry up some chicken an' bake some cakes, so + yo' can tote it right along wid yo'."</p> + + <p>"Now, look here, Ardelia. I'm not going to pack any basket + along on the train to New York. Jarvis can buy his fried + chicken there."</p> + + <p>"He say dey ain't no cookin' lak' dere is in dis town."</p> + + <p>"Well, it will have to do for a little longer. I'll have my + bag and plenty to carry."</p> + + <p>"Yo' ain't got no nat'chal feelin' fo' dat boy," Ardelia + scolded her.</p> + + <p>When the Professor heard the news he evinced a mild + surprise.</p> + + <p>"Have you any money for this trip? I'm a trifle short, now. + The bank notified me yesterday that I was overdrawn."</p> + + <p>"Professor, not again? What is the use of being a + mathematician if you are always overdrawn?"</p> + + <p>"The trouble is I forget to look at my balance. I just + continue to draw until I am notified. You will see Jarvis, of + course?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"You say you have business to attend to in the city?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"About the secret?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Is the moment of disclosure approaching?"</p> + + <p>She nodded.</p> + + <p>"Well, I wish you the best of luck, my dear."</p> + + <p>"Thanks, Herr Professor."</p> + + <p>She took the early train in high good humour the next + morning, clad in her most fetching frock.</p> + + <p>"Even a stony-hearted manager could not be impervious to + this hat," was her parting comment to her glass.</p> + + <p>She was very undecided as to whether she would go straight + to Jarvis's lodgings and surprise him, or wait until after the + interview with Frohman. She finally decided that she could not + wait until four o'clock, but that she would give Jarvis no hint + of the coming momentous appointment. As she came into the city, + she noted the bright, crisp winter day with pleasure—very + different from that spring day when she and Jarvis had entered + the gates together. But to-day was to-day and she was glad of + it.</p> + + <p>She took a taxi, with that sense of affluence which attacks + one like a germ on entering the City of Spenders. The driver + looked at her again as she gave the address. The trim, smart + little figure did not look much like the neighbourhood she was + headed for. Probably one of these settlement workers, he + decided.</p> + + <p>At first Bambi did not notice where she was going, so happy + was she to be back in this gay city.</p> + + <p>"I know you're a Painted Lady, but you're so pretty!" she + smiled, as the streets ran by. Downtown and still downtown the + taxi sped, past the Washington Square district, which they had + explored together, shooting off at a tangent into the kind of + neighbourhood where Bambi had fallen sick at the sights and the + filth. They drew up before an old-fashioned house, with dirty + steps and windows and curtains. It looked like a better-class + citizen on the down grade, beside the neighbouring houses, + which were frankly low-class. The driver opened the door and + Bambi stared up at the place.</p> + + <p>"Why, this can't be it!" she exclaimed.</p> + + <p>"This is the number you gave me."</p> + + <p>"Wait," she said. She ran up the rickety steps, her heart + sick with fear. She rang and waited and rang. Finally, a dirty + head appeared out of an upstairs window.</p> + + <p>"What d'yer want?" a voice demanded.</p> + + <p>"Does Mr. Jarvis Jocelyn live here?"</p> + + <p>"Three flights up-back," and the window slammed.</p> + + <p>"Wait for me, driver," she called. She began to climb the + dirty stairs, tears in her eyes.</p> + + <p>"Oh, my dear, my dear!" she said, over and over again.</p> + + <p>She knocked at the third-floor back, with no response; so + she opened the door and entered. One dark area window, a bed, a + chair, a dresser, an improvised table with piles of manuscript. + It was cleaner than the awful entrance suggested. But, oh, it + was pitiful! Such a place for a dreamer! Bambi leaned her head + on the dresser and sobbed. That he had been reduced to this, + that he had never told them, that he had refused the + Professor's money and chosen poverty! It nearly killed her, + while it thrilled her with a pride unspeakable. If he had the + strength for such a fight, nothing could conquer him. She + started at a step outside, thinking that it might be he.</p> + + <p>Suddenly she realized that he might not want even her to see + this; that he might not want her to know of this drab tent + where he crawled for sleep off the field of battle. She went to + the narrow bed and laid her hand gently where his cheek would + rest.</p> + + <p>"Jarvis, my dear!" she whispered.</p> + + <p>Then she went down the rickety stairs, out to the waiting + cab. She was sick, heart and body, at the revelation of what + his struggle meant. All the mother in her cried out at the + physical distress of such surroundings to a nature sensitive to + environment.</p> + + <p>He could have come back to the sunny, airy rooms he had made + his, at home; but he had chosen to stay and win. So many things + she had not understood about him were made clear now, and she + wondered if Richard Strong had found him there. No wonder + Jarvis had repulsed him, taken unawares, and at such a + disadvantage!</p> + + <p>"Oh, why didn't you let me know and help?" she repeated. She + had the man take her round and round the Park, where it was + quiet. She must get herself in hand. She felt that at the + slightest excuse she would burst into hysterics! More than + ever, now, must she be mistress of herself for the coming + interview. She must fight to catch the big manager's attention, + and win her way with him. She drew her furs about her, closed + her eyes, and tried to shut out the sight of that sordid, + wretched room, where handsome big Jarvis was paying the toll to + success—toll of blood and brain and nerves, paid by every + man or woman who mounts to the top! She saw him climbing + wearily those dirty stairs, coming into the cell. Over and over + she saw it, like a moving-picture film repeated + indefinitely.</p> + + <p>At quarter before three she ordered the driver to the Empire + Theatre. This time his face cleared. Actress, of course. + Probably went to the slums to look up a drunken husband. He + drew up at the theatre, demanded a queen's ransom for her + release, and stood at attention. She was too nervous to notice + the amount, and paid it absently, dismissed him, and hurried to + the elevator.</p> + + <p>She was first shown into the general-domo's office, where + she was catechised as to her name and her business. She waited + fifteen minutes while her name was passed down the line. Word + came back that Mr. Frohman was engaged. Would she please + wait?</p> + + <p>"I'll wait, but my appointment was at three," she said.</p> + + <p>The major-domo looked at her as if such <i>lèse + majesté</i> deserved hanging. In fifteen minutes more + she was conducted into an anteroom, where she was turned over + to a secretary. Her business was explained to him. In due + course of time word came out that Mr. Frohman would be through + in ten minutes. She was moved, then, to a tiny room next the + sacred door leading into the inner mystery. Twenty minutes + passed, then a youth appeared.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Frohman will receive you now," he announced in solemn + tones.</p> + + <p>Bambi refrained from an impulse to say, "Thank you, St. + Peter," and followed into the private office. For a second she + was petrified with fear, then with the courage of the + terror-stricken she marched down the long room to the desk + where Mr. Frohman sat looking at her.</p> + + <p>"Sorry to keep you waiting," said he.</p> + + <p>Bambi fixed her shining eyes upon him and smiled + confidently.</p> + + <p>"I feel as if I'd gotten into the Kingdom of Heaven for a + short talk with God!"</p> + + <p>The smile on the manager's face broke into a laugh. "Is it + as bad as that? Sit down and see how you like it up here?"</p> + + <p>"Thanks," she said, sinking into the big chair beside the + desk.</p> + + <p>"So you wrote 'Francesca,' did you?"</p> + + <p>"I did."</p> + + <p>"You look pretty young to know as much about life as that + book tells."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I'm old in experience," she boasted.</p> + + <p>He looked closely at her ingenuous face, and laughed + again.</p> + + <p>"You don't look it. I think there's a play in that + book."</p> + + <p>"So do I."</p> + + <p>"Did you ever write a play?"</p> + + <p>"No, but I've helped on several plays. I know a great deal + about them," she assured him.</p> + + <p>"Do you? Well, that's more than I do. Any of the plays that + you have helped on been produced?"</p> + + <p>"That isn't fair of you," she protested. "I should have + boasted about it if they had."</p> + + <p>"A skilled playwright could take the heart of your story and + build up a clever comedy."</p> + + <p>"Could we have Richard Bennett, Marguerite Clarke, and + Albert Bruning play the parts?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, ho, you've got it all cast, have you?"</p> + + <p>She nodded.</p> + + <p>"And I know just the man to make the play."</p> + + <p>"Do you? So do I. Whom do you choose?"</p> + + <p>"Jarvis Jocelyn."</p> + + <p>"Jarvis Jocelyn? Who's he?"</p> + + <p>"He's a young playwright. He hasn't had anything produced + yet, but he's extremely clever, and I do so want him to have + the chance."</p> + + <p>"Jarvis Jocelyn! Seems as though I had heard that name. Oh, + your name is Jocelyn," he added. "Is this a relative?"</p> + + <p>"Sort of—husband."</p> + + <p>"Husband? So you're married?" in surprise.</p> + + <p>"Yes. If you don't mind, I think I'll have to tell you some + personal history."</p> + + <p>"Go ahead. I wish I could think where I had heard that + fellow's name."</p> + + <p>"He submitted a play to you, called 'Success.' "</p> + + <p>"What—the cab-driver? You mean to say you're married + to the cab-driver?"</p> + + <p>"Cab-driver?"</p> + + <p>"The 'Success' fellow came in here, in a long coat and a top + hat. Said he was driving a hansom to help a friend and + incidentally turn a penny himself. Big, handsome, blond fellow. + I remember, I liked him."</p> + + <p>Surprise, pain, then understanding, flashed across her face, + and somehow the manager knew that he had betrayed a secret to + her and that it hurt. She controlled herself quickly, and + answered him.</p> + + <p>"Yes, that was Jarvis. We were married last spring, and we + both set out on a career. I kept mine a secret, and just by + luck I succeeded. But Jarvis"—here her eyes filled with + tears—"you've no idea how hard it is to be a playwright! + Everybody thinks what a snap it is to collect royalties when + you are a Broadway favourite, but they don't know all those + terrible days and nights before you get there, and what it + means if you never do get there."</p> + + <p>"I know," he nodded. "So you want to give this fellow the + chance to make this play?"</p> + + <p>"I want to more than I ever wanted anything in my life."</p> + + <p>"Well, well!" he said, in surprise at her earnestness.</p> + + <p>"I want you to send for him, give him the commission, and + never mention me."</p> + + <p>"Why not?"</p> + + <p>"I do not want him to know that I had anything to do with + it."</p> + + <p>"He doesn't know you wrote the book?"</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"And you're married to him, you say?"</p> + + <p>She nodded.</p> + + <p>"Upon my word, you're a queer pair! Are you Francesca, and + is he the musician of the story?"</p> + + <p>"Well, they are based on us, rather."</p> + + <p>He laughed.</p> + + <p>"Dear, kind Mr. Frohman, will you do this?"</p> + + <p>"I told the fellow to try his hand at a comedy. He might + handle this, if we could hold him down. Awful preacher, isn't + he?"</p> + + <p>"He's young," she answered patronizingly. The manager + covered a smile.</p> + + <p>"Won't he recognize himself and you in the book?"</p> + + <p>"I think not. He's so unobserving, and he does not suspect + me at all. He'll never know."</p> + + <p>"You may have to work with him on the play."</p> + + <p>"Oh, he'll appeal to me for help. He always does. We will do + it together, only he will not know about the author."</p> + + <p>"You will have to come to rehearsals."</p> + + <p>"I'll come as wife of the playwright, or co-author."</p> + + <p>"You've got it all thought out, haven't you?"</p> + + <p>"I have."</p> + + <p>"Sounds like a farce plot to me. Give me my instructions + again. You want me to send for him, tell him to make a play out + of this book——"</p> + + <p>She smiled and nodded.</p> + + <p>"Suppose he asks me who the author is?"</p> + + <p>"You could say that she insisted upon preserving her + anonymity."</p> + + <p>"What else do I do?"</p> + + <p>"That's all."</p> + + <p>"If this is your idea of a short interview with God, you + certainly make good in dictating his policy to him!"</p> + + <p>Bambi's laughter rippled and sang.</p> + + <p>"But you will do it?"</p> + + <p>"I'll make a start by calling the cabby."</p> + + <p>She rose and held out her hand.</p> + + <p>"I'm so glad you're like this," she said. "I shall love + doing things with you."</p> + + <p>"Much obliged. I'm glad you came in. You'll probably hear + from one of us as to the next move in the matter. + Good-bye!"</p> + + <p>"Good-bye and thanks, Mr. God."</p> + + <p>His laugh followed her out. He sat for several minutes + thinking about her and her plan. He recalled Jarvis's fine, + unconscious exit at the time of his interview. He rang for a + boy, and demanded Jarvis's address.</p> + + <p>Bambi walked out, treading on air. She had won her point. + She had got Jarvis his chance. She thought it all out—the + coming of Frohman's letter, his joy over the commission, how he + would announce it to her. She laughed aloud, so that several + people turned to look at her and a man slowed up and fell in + step.</p> + + <p>She went into a tea-shop to have tea, calm down, and decide + on the next step. Would she stay over-night, summoning Jarvis + to meet her next day, or should she go home on the night train + and not see him at all? Could she bear to see his face with the + imprint of poverty and discouragement? He had been so reduced + as to be forced to drive a cab, she might even meet him on the + avenue! No, she would go home to-night, and let Jarvis come to + her with news of his victory.</p> + + <p>So she surprised the Professor at breakfast.</p> + + <p>"Morning!" she cried.</p> + + <p>"Bambi! We didn't expect you so soon."</p> + + <p>"I finished what I had to do, so here I am."</p> + + <p>"And Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, he's well."</p> + + <p>"Was he surprised to see you?"</p> + + <p>"Very."</p> + + <p>"Is he getting on?"</p> + + <p>"Slowly. But he will win."</p> + + <p>"If he can learn to be practical——"</p> + + <p>"He's learning," said Bambi, grimly.</p> + + <p>"When is he coming home?"</p> + + <p>"He did not say."</p> + + <p>"Nobody buys his plays yet?"</p> + + <p>"Not yet."</p> + + <p>"I'm not surprised. That woman, you know, in the play he + read us——"</p> + + <p>"Don't talk about her till I get my breakfast."</p> + + <p>He looked at her in surprise, she was so seldom irritated. + She rang for Ardelia.</p> + + <p>"Why, Miss Bambi, honey! I didn't see yo' all comin'."</p> + + <p>"Here I am, and hungry, too."</p> + + <p>"How's Mistah Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"All right. Breakfast, Ardelia, I perish."</p> + + <p>"Did you have a successful trip?" inquired her father.</p> + + <p>"I did, very."</p> + + <p>"How did you find Babylon?"</p> + + <p>"As Babylonish as ever."</p> + + <p>She seemed strangely disinclined for conversation, so her + wise parent left her to her meditations and her breakfast. But + he patted her as he passed to go out.</p> + + <p>"We're glad to have you back, my daughter."</p> + + <p>She brushed his cheek with her lips, understandingly.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XXI</h2> + + <p>"God's in his heaven! All's right with the world!" carrolled + Bambi gayly the next day.</p> + + <p>She wrote Mr. Strong of her interview with Mr. Frohman and + its happy outcome. It gave her some satisfaction to announce + that the manager was willing to entrust Jarvis with the play. + She explained that she was obliged to come home on the night + train, so she had missed the pleasure of seeing him. Would he + see that Mr. Frohman had the first bound copy of the book?</p> + + <p>She added that she was happy, but it was superfluous. It + sang itself through the note, so that Strong patted the paper, + as he finished it, as if it were a personal belonging of the + sender.</p> + + <p>The letter finished, she mounted the stairs to Jarvis's + house, as she always called the top floor. She wandered about, + comparing it with that place of confinement where he now dwelt. + To-day he would write or telegraph to her his news, if he had + the interview with Frohman.</p> + + <p>She began work on the play, up in his study. She outlined + the main plot, marked scenes in the book she thought vital, + scraps of conversation which would be effective. She planned + the sets for the different acts, even deciding upon Francesca's + clothes. Ever and anon, in the midst of her happy scheming, she + fell to dreaming of the days to come, with Jarvis home again, + and their work together resumed.</p> + + <p>Whenever the doorbell rang she stopped and waited for + Ardelia's heavy foot upon the stairs as she toiled up with the + telegram or special delivery. But the morning passed, plus half + the afternoon, with no word from him. She went down to the + post-office herself in the hope that the late mail would reward + her. There was nothing for her.</p> + + <p>The next day brought only a note from Strong congratulating + her enthusiastically, and prophesying a great success for the + Jocelyn family. She spent a restless day waiting for the + postman, afraid to leave the house for fear she would miss a + wire. She grew so nervous that she scolded Ardelia and fussed + at the Professor. Night found her entirely discouraged. + Something had happened. Frohman had changed his mind, or Jarvis + had refused. She had known all along that it was too good to be + true. She tossed all night, sleepless, her mind running around + like a squirrel in a trap, planning another trip to see the + manager.</p> + + <p>The early morning found her pacing the paths of the + frostbitten garden, where the Professor found her later.</p> + + <p>"Why, good morning, Bambi mia," said he, in surprise.</p> + + <p>"Good day, Herr Vater!"</p> + + <p>"What brings you forth so early, lady-bird?"</p> + + <p>"My hateful thoughts! Oh, daddy, there's a crick in the + secret."</p> + + <p>"A crick? Dear me, what a pity!"</p> + + <p>"If it doesn't get itself straightened out to-day, I shall + go to New York again, to see what I can do."</p> + + <p>"The companionship of a secret is often corruptive to good + habits, such as sleep and appetite. Better tell me this + mystery."</p> + + <p>"If it isn't settled to-day, I will tell you."</p> + + <p>"Very good."</p> + + <p>"These late asters are hardy things?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. The rest of the poor beds are full of ghosts."</p> + + <p>"Ghosts always stalk, don't they?"</p> + + <p>He looked at her in concern. "You are upset," he said, and + they both laughed.</p> + + <p>She followed him about for an hour, talking, watching his + exact, methodical movements. The early morning air was keen, in + spite of the sun. When the postman appeared on the block she + ran to the gate to meet him. He was an old friend, on the route + ever since she could remember.</p> + + <p>"Hello, Miss Bambi, you're early this morning," he + called.</p> + + <p>"I couldn't sleep for my sins. If you don't give me a + letter, Mr. Ben, I'll scream."</p> + + <p>"Go ahead!"</p> + + <p>"You mean——"</p> + + <p>He laughed at her discomfited face and handed her the + letter. A quick glance showed the Empire Theatre in one corner. + She blew him a kiss on her finger tips.</p> + + <p>"I knew you wouldn't disappoint me, dear Mr. Ben. That's + it!"</p> + + <p>"I tell you I'm a regular little Cupid. Don't know what the + girls in this town would do without me," he laughed, as he + trudged away. Bambi read:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"MY DEAR MRS. JOCELYN: It gives me + pleasure to announce that Mr. Jarvis Jocelyn has almost + agreed to accept the commission. I think he feels that it + is condescension on his part, but he accepts conditionally. + He carried off the copies of the magazine to read your + story, and he is to give me his answer to-day. As I am sure + of a favourable one, I think we may consider the matter + settled.</p> + + <p class="quote">"Hoping that this meets with your entire + approval,</p> + + <p class="closing">"I am, faithfully,</p> + + <p class="closing">CHARLES FROHMAN.</p> + + <p class="quote" + style="margin-bottom: 0em;">"P.S. I told him that I + understood the author was an unhappy wife, who desired + to be unknown."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>The Professor looked up as Bambi pirouetted around the beds, + waving a fluttering white sheet in good melodrama style.</p> + + <p>"This letter that I longed for, it has come!" she sang, + lifting a pointed toe over the top of a withered sunflower + stalk.</p> + + <p>"My dear, that ballet step is a trifle exaggerated for a + lady!"</p> + + <p>"The sunflower's dead, so it couldn't be shocked. The secret + is working fine. Oh, I'm so happy, I'm so happy!" she trilled, + and whirled off toward the house.</p> + + <p>"If you are still thinking of a career, why not a whirling + dervish?" called her father.</p> + + <p>She stopped, and turned to him.</p> + + <p>"Career? Career, did you say, for stupid little me?"</p> + + <p>"I never called you stupid," he protested.</p> + + <p>"I should hope not. I'm the smartest child you ever had!" + she cried as a period to their discourse.</p> + + <p>All day she waited for word from Jarvis and none came. She + could have cried with disappointment. Could he have been insane + enough to refuse, after he had read the story? Or did he think + she was indifferent to his good fortune? She went to bed + determined to write him on the morrow.</p> + + <p>The morning mail brought a second letter from the Empire + Theatre. It contained a line from Mr. Frohman, "He accepts," + and an enclosure. This proved to be a letter from Jarvis:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"<i>To the Author of 'Francesca,' care of + Mr. Frohman, Empire Theatre, New York.</i></p> + + <p class="quote">"MY DEAR MADAM: Mr. Charles Frohman has + given me your story 'Francesca' to read, with a view to + making it into a play. Of course you are familiar with his + plans in this respect. He has offered to entrust me with + the dramatization, and I have consented to accept, on the + condition that both you and he will allow me to use my own + discretion in the work, and not hamper me by superimposing + your own ideas and desires. When I have finished all I can + do with it, I will then try to incorporate any ideas you + may have in the final version.</p> + + <p class="quote">"I think the story very charming, the + characters interesting. The part of the musician seems to + me rather fantastic, but I suppose there are such men. The + girl, Francesca, is delightful; the old fiddler, a fine + study.</p> + + <p class="quote">"You are to be congratulated on your work, + and I trust I may be able to make as good a play as you + have made a book.</p> + + <p class="closing">"Very truly yours,</p> + + <p class="closing">"JARVIS JOCELYN."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>Bambi chuckled as she read, and patted the part which + praised her. Whatever else had happened, Jarvis's dignity was + still intact. He calmly told the author to keep her hands off + her own book! She flew to the typewriter to answer him.</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"<i>Mr. Jarvis Jocelyn, care of Mr. + Charles Frohman, Empire Theatre, New York.</i></p> + + <p class="quote">"MY DEAR MR. JOCELYN: Your letter in + regard to the dramatization of my book, 'Francesca,' seems + to demand immediate assurance that you will have free rein + in the work you are to do. Mr. Frohman has told me + something of you and of your work, and I shall be very + happy if my story gives you your first opportunity to + succeed as a playwright.</p> + + <p class="quote">"I am glad you are pleased with my story. + Did you know that it was my first one? Your comment on the + character of the musician interested me, as it is a close + portrait of a friend.</p> + + <p class="quote">"Trusting that we may work together to a + successful end, I am</p> + + <p class="closing">"Sincerely,</p> + + <p class="closing">"THE AUTHOR.</p> + + <p class="quote" + style="margin-bottom: 0em;">"P.S. For private reasons I + prefer to remain unknown to you. You can always reach me + through Mr. Frohman's office. You must forgive typed + letters."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>This she sent to the Frohman office, with a request that it + be forwarded. The next day brought Jarvis's news:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"DEAR BAMBI: For three days I have + resisted the constant temptation to send you word of what + seemed to be extraordinarily good news, but many + disappointments have made me a doubting Thomas, so I held + off until I was really sure. To begin at the beginning, I + was at the lowest ebb of disgust with myself last week for + my inability to get in step with the grand march. Only a + fool can be excused for failure, and I am not that. So a + summons from the Frohman office somewhat restored my + self-respect. It seems that Mr. Frohman has never forgotten + my previous interview, so when he decided to make a play of + a popular novel entitled 'Francesca,' he immediately + thought of me.</p> + + <p class="quote">"Of course this is not the kind of play I + want to do, so I said I would look over the book and if I + liked it I would have a try at it. The long and the short + of it is I have accepted. The woman who wrote the thing has + promised to keep out of it. She seems to be a nice kind of + person, but for some reason wants to make a mystery of + herself. Frohman hints at a domestic tragedy as her reason. + I'm sure I do not care about her private affairs.</p> + + <p class="quote">"She has written a clever and delightful + book. The heroine, oddly enough called Francesca, suggests + you in places, except that she is a more practical sort + than you are. The hero, a musician, is a sort of sublimated + madman. The best character of all is an old fiddler. There + is a play in it. The more I think about it, the more I am + convinced of that.</p> + + <p class="quote">"Would you care to help me on it? Both of + our names could go on the bill. I have come to know, these + last months, since I have been working at things here + alone, how much the growth in my work is due to you. The + human touch you have given my characters, or helped me to + give them, is the essential element in my improvement. You + started a good many wires to jangling that spring day when + you indulged your mad impulse to marry an + impossibility!</p> + + <p class="quote">"Regards to the Professor.</p> + + <p class="closing">"Yours,</p> + + <p class="closing">"JARVIS."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>Bambi went to the telegraph office and wired him:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"Congratulations. Of course I'll help! + Come home.</p> + + <p class="closing">"BAMBI."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>He answered, by letter, that he thought it best to stay on + until Mr. Frohman and the author were both satisfied with the + framework of the play. Then he would come, most gladly, to work + in the old study. He would submit his ideas for a scenario the + next day or so.</p> + + <p>From that moment the fun began for Bambi. He wrote daily + about the outline, and weekly letters to the author were + forwarded to her from the Frohman office. These she answered, + disguised as the author, with many a chuckle of amusement. A + sort of friendliness crept into these letters as they increased + in number.</p> + + <p>Christmas week arrived with no definite assurance from + Jarvis as to his plans, but Bambi was confident that he would + be at home for the holiday. Professor Parkhurst demanded daily + bulletins of his son-in-law's intentions, while Ardelia + bemoaned and bewailed lest he fail to return.</p> + + <p>The day before Kris Kringle was due a white snow descended + like a benediction. Bambi and the Professor sat before a huge, + crackling fire in the library. She was restless as a spirit. + She sat at the piano and sang "O Lonely Pine Tree Standing," + until the Professor objected.</p> + + <p>"Sing something gay, my child."</p> + + <blockquote> + God rest ye, merry gentleman,<br> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Let nothing ye + dismay,<br></span> For Jesus Christ, the Saviour,<br> + <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Was born on Christmas + Day,"<br></span> + </blockquote> + + <p>she sang gladly.</p> + + <p>All at once her hands fell silent on the keys, while she + stared at the doorway a full second before she rose. Jarvis + stood there looking at her. He was powdered with snowflakes. He + held his soft hat crushed against him, showing his hair, + glistening with snow, and curled close to his head with + dampness. It was his face that focussed her attention. The old + proud carriage of the head was there, but an asking look had + come into his eyes and mouth in place of the old arrogance. In + the second she hesitated she saw all this—caught the glow + and the beauty of him, as well as the appeal.</p> + + <p>"Jarvis!" she cried, and met him halfway across the room, + both hands out.</p> + + <p>"Bambi!" he answered her huskily, and she knew that he was + moved at the sight of her. He crushed her hands in his, and + drank her in, from her shining eyes to her boots, oblivious to + the startled Professor, who stood looking on.</p> + + <p>"Welcome home!" said Bambi, unsteadily.</p> + + <p>"Did you come through the roof?" inquired Professor + Parkhurst.</p> + + <p>"I had a passkey. How are you?" Jarvis laughed, mangling the + Professor's hand. The latter rescued and inspected his limp + fingers.</p> + + <p>"I am well, but I shall never use that hand again."</p> + + <p>"You have come home," said Bambi, foolishly.</p> + + <p>"I have. My, but it's good to be here! I got Frohman's + approval on the framework of the play to-day, and ran for the + first train."</p> + + <p>"Does the author approve, too?"</p> + + <p>"She does. She is more or less a figurehead, but she seems + reasonable."</p> + + <p>"Oh, Jarvis, you're a nice Christmas present. Go put these + wet things in the hall, call on Ardelia, and come back. It will + take at least a week to say all the things I want to say to + you."</p> + + <p>He smiled at her, and marched off to do her bidding.</p> + + <p>"He looks fine, doesn't he? I never realized before how + handsome he is," said the Professor.</p> + + <p>"He's thrilling!" replied Bambi.</p> + + <p>Her father inspected her thoughtfully.</p> + + <p>"What a talent you have for hitting people off! That is just + it: he thrills you with a feeling of youth and power."</p> + + <p>"Plus some new and softer quality," added Bambi, as if to + herself.</p> + + <p>The powwow in the kitchen could be heard all over the house, + Ardelia welcoming home the Prodigal Son. It was only after long + argument he escaped the fatted calf. She could not conceive of + him except as hungry after many months in the heathen city.</p> + + <p>When he came back into the library he swept with his eyes + its caressing harmony of colour, tone, and atmosphere. He had + never noticed it before. The Professor's beautiful profile, + like a fine steel engraving, thrown into high relief by the + lamplight, seemed a part of it. The vibrant little figure on + the hearth rug, in a flame-coloured gown, was the high note + that gave it all climax. His mind swept the gamut of dirty hall + bedrooms, back to this, and the sigh with which he sank into + the big couch caught Bambi's amused attention.</p> + + <p>"It was satisfaction," he assured her. "For the first time + in my life, I've got the home feeling."</p> + + <p>She nodded understandingly. Her mind, too, swept up those + dirty stairs, peeped into the cell, and flew back, singing.</p> + + <p>The Professor moved over beside Jarvis, and the wander tales + began. Bambi fluttered about like a scarlet tanager, + tantalizing Jarvis with a desire to catch her in his hand and + hold her still.</p> + + <p>At eleven the Professor said good night. Immediately Bambi + led the talk to their proposed work, and held it there, firmly, + until midnight chimed. Jarvis told her of the sale of the + "Street Songs" to Strong's magazine, and announced that one + hundred dollars of it was to be set down in the Black Maria + account. She laughed and congratulated him.</p> + + <p>Finally she rose.</p> + + <p>"Your rooms are always ready for you, so I do not need to go + up and see about them. A Merry Christmas, Jarvis Jocelyn."</p> + + <p>He laid his hands on her shoulders and looked deep into her + eyes. He thought he felt her tremble under his touch, but her + glance was as frank and emotionless as a boy's.</p> + + <p>"A Merry Christmas to you, Miss Mite," he answered, with a + sigh. She laughed, unexpectedly patted his cheek with her hand, + and ran upstairs.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XXII</h2> + + <p>Christmas day in the little house was a real celebration. It + was the first one in the Jocelyns' married life, and the entire + household entered into the spirit of Yuletide with enthusiasm. + At Bambi's suggestion, they hid the presents all over the + house. The subsequent search and discovery were carried on with + much laughter and shouting. Ardelia's delight over her gifts + was vocal and extreme. The Professor continually forgot which + presents were his, and collected every one else's into his + pile, from which the owner laughingly rescued them. A pair of + silk stockings for Bambi which he absent-mindedly appropriated + caused much mirth.</p> + + <p>Jarvis's gift to Bambi was a dull gold chain, hung with + tassels of baroque pearls, an exquisite feminine bauble.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Jarvis, how charming! It's like a lovely lady's happy + tears!" she exclaimed.</p> + + <p>He blushed happily.</p> + + <p>"I thought it looked like you."</p> + + <p>"A thousand thanks! Fasten the clasp for me."</p> + + <p>He fumbled it awkwardly, but with final success. She turned + for inspection, her eyes avid for praise. He nodded.</p> + + <p>"It is where it belongs," he said.</p> + + <p>The day passed happily. Ardelia's dinner was a Christmas + poem. When the Professor complimented her on the success of + everything, she replied:</p> + + <p>"Yassuh, dis heah day been all right. But I hopes befo' nex' + Chris'mus we all gwine to have some chilluns to make dis a sho' + nuff pahty."</p> + + <p>Bambi's face was scarlet, but she faced it out.</p> + + <p>"Oh, not children, Ardelia—singular, you mean, I + hope."</p> + + <p>"No, I don't mean sing'lar. We don' want no singular + chilluns. I mean jes' plain chilluns."</p> + + <p>"The holiday seems to be peculiarly the children's day," + said the Professor, unaware of the situation, and so saved + it!</p> + + <p>Thus it was that Jarvis was welcomed into the family circle + again, and this time he became an integral part as he had never + been before. The day after Christmas he came to Bambi with her + story.</p> + + <p>"You told me you had read this book, didn't you?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I've read it."</p> + + <p>"What do you think of it?" he asked her, curiously.</p> + + <p>"I adore it!" she replied.</p> + + <p>He sat down beside her, gravely.</p> + + <p>"It's a strange thing, but the book grows on you. When I + first read it, I thought it was a clever little trifle. But as + I work with it, I have come to see that it is remarkable in its + human quality. You feel the charm of the author all through + it."</p> + + <p>"Do you?" eagerly.</p> + + <p>"Didn't you?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know. I loved the girl. She seemed very true to + me."</p> + + <p>"I've never known any girls except you, and I don't know you + very well, but there are spots where you and the other + Francesca are strikingly alike. I suppose it is not you, but + <i>feminine</i>. I mix them up."</p> + + <p>"If we are to make a play of it, I am glad we both love + it."</p> + + <p>"I find myself intensely interested in the mysterious woman + who wrote it. To me there is no hint in the story of the + infelicity Mr. Frohman hinted at. I would like to know + her."</p> + + <p>"Don't you expect to see her when the play is finished?"</p> + + <p>"She says she wishes me not to know her."</p> + + <p>"But she will have to come to rehearsals?"</p> + + <p>"I must ask her about that. Maybe she will come, then."</p> + + <p>"You write to her?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. I have to keep her in touch with my progress."</p> + + <p>"I thought you told her to keep out."</p> + + <p>"I did. But she has been so agreeable about it that I + decided to keep her posted as I went along."</p> + + <p>Bambi rose.</p> + + <p>"I've no doubt she is very fascinating," she said, + coldly.</p> + + <p>"You don't object to my interest in her?"</p> + + <p>"Object? My dear Jarvis, you may be interested in all the + women in creation without any objection from me!"</p> + + <p>"And you have the same freedom?"</p> + + <p>"Naturally. Now let's get to work. I was surprised at what + you said about the young musician in the book. I thought he was + so real."</p> + + <p>"Strange. That is what the author said, that it was a close + portrait of a near friend."</p> + + <p>"What is it, about him, that you do not like?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I like him, in a way. But these reformers, idealists, + thinking they can dream the world into Arcadia!"</p> + + <p>Bambi's clear laugh startled him.</p> + + <p>"What amuses you so?" he asked, shortly.</p> + + <p>"I suppose I rather like the idealist type."</p> + + <p>He looked at her closely.</p> + + <p>"Good heavens, you don't think I'm like that, do you?"</p> + + <p>"A little," she admitted.</p> + + <p>"If I thought that I was that particular brand of idiot I'd + learn bookkeeping and be a clerk," was the reply.</p> + + <p>"Maybe it isn't you—maybe it is just <i>man</i> I + recognize."</p> + + <p>"You can see how terribly clever the woman is—to set + each of us accusing the other."</p> + + <p>"She is just a student of types, that's all," Bambi + disparaged the lady.</p> + + <p>So they began their co-partnership. The shyness, the appeal, + the new self-conscious element Bambi had sensed in Jarvis gave + way to the old mental relationship as fellow workman. They had + regular office hours, as they called it. They experimented to + see whether they obtained the best results, when they each + worked at a scene alone and went over it together for the final + polishing; or when they actually worked on it in unison. Four + hours in the morning they laboured, took an hour of recess + after lunch, then two hours more, followed by a tramp off into + the country, talking play, play, play.</p> + + <p>These were days of keen delight to them both. They worked + together so smoothly and so well. Jarvis's high-handed + superiority had given way to a well-grounded respect for + Bambi's quick apprehension of a false note, an unnatural line, + or a bungled climax.</p> + + <p>The first interruption came with the advent of Richard + Strong to spend the weekend, and Jarvis made no comment when + Bambi announced his coming and declared Saturday a holiday. He + even agreed to meet their guest at the station. The two men + came back together in amicable converse.</p> + + <p>"I am so glad you could come, Richard," Bambi greeted him, + in her eager way.</p> + + <p>Jarvis started at the Christian name, and flushed angrily at + Strong's reply.</p> + + <p>"Happy New Year, Francesca!"</p> + + <p>Richard and Francesca—so they had gone as far as that + on the road to intimacy was Jarvis's hurt comment to + himself.</p> + + <p>After that he watched Strong every minute for signs of + special devotion, and before the day was over he had satisfied + himself that these two cared deeply for each other. The way + Strong's eyes followed her every movement, the way he + anticipated her wants, understood her before she + spoke—they were all damning evidences of the situation. + That Bambi showed herself grateful, as vividly as she did + everything else, entirely escaped Jarvis. She loved him, that + was the truth, and he alone stood between her and + happiness.</p> + + <p>The two days dragged by, in torment, for him. It seemed as + if they would never be over, so that he might face the truth by + himself, with Strong out of the picture, and decide what must + be done. Bambi noticed his strained politeness to their guest, + but set it down to the same inconsistency he had shown before, + of being jealous of what he did not especially value + himself.</p> + + <p>Monday, after Strong's departure, she began to realize that + there was a change in him. He was taciturn and moody. The work + went badly. He disagreed with her at every point, and when she + suggested that they stop an hour earlier than usual, he went + off by himself, without asking her to go. She began to wonder + whether his dislike of Strong was really serious and something + to be taken cognizance of.</p> + + <p>Jarvis strode off into the country in a state of nerves + unknown before. A sleepless night and the irritation of the + day's work had played their havoc with him. He went over the + thing again and again. Bambi and Strong loved each + other—he stood in the way. Why should he not take himself + out of the situation at once? "She married me for a whim; she + will unmarry me the same way," he reiterated to himself. "Why + did she do it, in the first place, unless she cared something + for me? But she told me she had no sentiment for me," he + replied to his other self. "It was ambition that made her do + it. She thought I would be famous. I've disappointed her, and + she's through with me." He went over every incident of their + reunion—his thrill at her welcome. "She didn't really + care; it was just her way," he assured himself.</p> + + <p>For hours he plunged through the woods, pursued by his + bitter thoughts. When he turned back at last, into the garden, + he knew that a precious, new-born thing, which he had brought + back with him after his exile, was laid away, never to be + allowed to come into full flower and maturity.</p> + + <p>His decision was made. He temporized on one point. He would + stay on until the play was produced, so that if it succeeded, + as he was determined it should, Bambi would have that much + satisfaction from her matrimonial experiment. Then he would let + her divorce him, and he would take himself out of her life.</p> + + <p>She was in the library when he went in. She caught sight of + his face, and exclaimed:</p> + + <p>"Jarvis, my dear, how tired you look!"</p> + + <p>He started to go, but she detained him.</p> + + <p>"Is anything the matter, Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"No, what should be the matter?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know, but if there is anything you want to talk out + with me, let's have it now. We can't afford to have any + misunderstandings between us."</p> + + <p>"There is nothing," he said, and left the room.</p> + + <p>That night, after dinner, he sat late in his study, writing. + Two days later the result of the evening's work came to + Bambi:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"DEAR AUTHOR LADY: Some days ago I sent + you my new address, so that you need not send letters to + the theatre, but so far I have not heard from you. + To-night, for some reason, I feel moved to write to you as + I would wish to talk to you were you near me.</p> + + <p class="quote">"I say for some reason, and yet I know the + reason. It is because of your human understanding of the + things that make men glad or sad. I am beginning to know + that only through the ache of experience can we come to + understand each other. Surely there must be something of + sadness back of your life, Lady of Mystery, to give you + this power.</p> + + <p class="quote">"To-day I have fought out a bitter fight + with myself, and I feel the loneliness that comes in a + crisis, when each man of us must stand or fall, alone.</p> + + <p class="quote">"The play goes ahead rapidly. As I told + you, Mrs. Jocelyn and I have great satisfaction in our work + on it. I am determined to wring success from it. Both for + your sake and for mine, I must!</p> + + <p class="quote">"Is this personal letter distasteful to + you? Do I depend too much upon your gracious understanding? + If I do, say so, and I will not offend again.</p> + + <p class="closing">"Faithfully,</p> + + <p class="closing">"JARVIS JOCELYN."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>Bambi read this letter over and over again, behind the + locked door of her bedroom. What did it all mean? What was the + bitter fight that drove Jarvis to this other woman for solace? + How far did she dare draw him out on it, without offending her + own sense of fitness? Had this innocent plot of hers, to + startle him into amazed admiration, led them both into a + labyrinth of misunderstanding?</p> + + <p>She answered Jarvis's letter and sent it to the theatre, + asking them to forward it:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"DEAR MR. JOCELYN: Your letter touched me + very much in its appeal for my sympathy and understanding. + I am regretful that sorrow has found you out. I think of + you always as young and strong and happy, with a young + wife, and the world before you. I hate to have you spoil my + picture.</p> + + <p class="quote">"I repeat my satisfaction that you and + your wife enjoy your work on 'Francesca.' I found such + happiness myself in doing her, that I like to think we + share the pleasure between us, we three.</p> + + <p class="quote">"Is it your own ambition that drives you + so that you say 'I must,' in regard to success? Sometimes, + if we set our hearts too much on a thing, our very + determination thwarts us. Is it not so? Perhaps it is for + the sake of some one else that you are so eager for + accomplishment. I feel that it is to come to you in this + play, and I am glad.</p> + + <p class="quote">"Be of good cheer, Comrade. Even the + memory of bitter fights grows dim. I will not think of you + as daunted by anything life can offer. No, nor death. Why + have I this confidence in you, I wonder?</p> + + <p class="closing">"In all friendliness,</p> + + <p class="closing">"THE LADY OF MYSTERY."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>The day this letter came to Jarvis marked a change in him to + Bambi's watchful eye. He threw himself with renewed ardour into + the work. For the first time in many days they walked together, + and he seemed more himself than he had been since Strong's + unfortunate visit. Was it the effect of this letter? He was + beginning to be easily influenced by this supposed stranger! + The idea was too fantastic.</p> + + <p>"What kind of a woman do you imagine the author of + 'Francesca' to be?" she asked him as they trudged along a + wintry road. He started a little, she thought.</p> + + <p>"I scarcely know," he evaded. "I always think of her as tall + and thin and frail, with a rather sad face, white, with + humorous gray eyes, and a sensitive mouth."</p> + + <p>"I always think of her as little and fat and cuddly."</p> + + <p>"Oh, not cuddly!" he protested.</p> + + <p>She laughed.</p> + + <p>"Any news from her lately?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. I had a letter to-day."</p> + + <p>"Did you ask if she was coming to rehearsals?"</p> + + <p>"Not yet."</p> + + <p>"Haven't you any curiosity about her?"</p> + + <p>"In a way, yes. But I respect her desire in the matter."</p> + + <p>"I don't. If I could get it out of Richard Strong who she + is, I'd go look her up in a minute."</p> + + <p>"Have you tried?" eagerly.</p> + + <p>"He won't tell. He's the King of Clams."</p> + + <p>"He has no right to tell."</p> + + <p>"It is very smart of her to work up all this mystery about + herself. No doubt she is a wobbly old fatty, instead of the + Beatrice you think her."</p> + + <p>He made no answer, but she saw by his face how he resented + it.</p> + + <p>A wicked design grew in Bambi's mind. She would make Jarvis + Jocelyn fall so desperately and hopelessly in love with this + dream-woman of his that she would be revenged upon him for the + way he had shut her out since Strong's visit. It never once + occurred to her that it was a hurt she had given him which + drove him to this other woman. But the something which he had + offered her the night of his return he had deliberately + withdrawn, before she had a chance to accept or refuse it. + Well, here was a chance to punish him and she would take + it.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XXIII</h2> + + <p>From the day of her resolve absolute impersonality + characterized their relations during Work hours. Sometimes they + walked together; sometimes Bambi went alone or made visits to + her friends. Jarvis felt more and more her withdrawal from him. + He attributed it to her increased affection for Strong and a + consequent abhorrence of her husband's presence.</p> + + <p>One morning she announced that she was going to New York for + the day.</p> + + <p>"But we were to work on the big climax to-day," Jarvis + protested.</p> + + <p>"You work at it. You can do it without me," she said, + airily.</p> + + <p>"You are as tired of the play as you are of me," said Jarvis + earnestly.</p> + + <p>"Absurd. I am much interested in the play and I am not tired + of you."</p> + + <p>"Shall you see Strong?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. I shall spend part of the day with him. Did you wish + to send him a message?"</p> + + <p>"It wouldn't be fit for you to carry," he answered, + fiercely.</p> + + <p>"Richard is not your favourite companion, is he?" she + tantalized.</p> + + <p>"He is not!"</p> + + <p>"Sorry. I am very fond of him."</p> + + <p>"That does not need saying."</p> + + <p>"I have never tried to disguise it."</p> + + <p>"No, I should say you were both frank about it."</p> + + <p>"Why shouldn't we be, Jarvis?" said Bambi with + irritation.</p> + + <p>"Exactly. Why shouldn't you be?"</p> + + <p>"You naturally cannot expect to regulate or choose my + friends."</p> + + <p>"I expect nothing."</p> + + <p>"Then I would be obliged to you if you made your dislike of + my friend a trifle less conspicuous."</p> + + <p>"If you will let me know when he is expected, I will always + go elsewhere."</p> + + <p>It was the first hint of disagreement that had ever occurred + between them, and Bambi took the train to New York with a + disagreeable taste in her mouth. She was going for a conference + with Strong about the book, which had got a splendid start in + the holiday sales. He had some plans to feature it in various + conspicuous ways, so that it might advertise the play.</p> + + <p>Arrived in Grand Central Station, she wired Jarvis, "Sorry + was horrid about Strong," just to make her self-esteem less + flat. Then she went to Strong's office. He greeted her in his + cordial way, only his eyes admitting his joy at sight of + her.</p> + + <p>"It is good to see you," he said.</p> + + <p>"You won't like me. I'm utterly detestable to-day. I was + nasty to Jarvis, and cross with Ardelia."</p> + + <p>"I can't imagine you either nasty or cross."</p> + + <p>"Me? Oh, I scratch and spit and bite!"</p> + + <p>"You are the most human person I ever encountered," he + laughed.</p> + + <p>"Be nice to me, and I may cheer up."</p> + + <p>"I shall try. I have news about the sale of the book that + ought to cheer a tombstone. I think we have a best-seller on + our hands."</p> + + <p>"I'm not a bit ashamed of it."</p> + + <p>"Why should you be?"</p> + + <p>"Aren't you a literary pariah, if you're a best-seller?"</p> + + <p>He laughed.</p> + + <p>"How is the play coming on?"</p> + + <p>"Pretty well, I think. We're up to the climax of the second + act. Jarvis is working on it to-day."</p> + + <p>"Still no suspicion of you?"</p> + + <p>"Not a grain. I think he's falling in love with the author + of 'Francesca,' though."</p> + + <p>"How?"</p> + + <p>"Through their letters."</p> + + <p>"You certainly have a talent for comedy," he laughed, and + added, gravely, "I thought Jocelyn had always been in love with + the author of 'Francesca'?"</p> + + <p>"No-o."</p> + + <p>"I have always known that the author of 'Francesca' cared + about Jarvis."</p> + + <p>"You must have dreamed that, Richard. Poor old Jarvis! + Sometimes I think I will confess. Maybe I have no right to make + game of him this way."</p> + + <p>"Doesn't he suspect your style in your letters? I would know + a letter from you, no matter what the circumstances."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I don't write like myself. I write like an author. I + found out what he thought she looked like, and I write tall, + pale, sensitive-mouthed kind of letters, with a hint of + sadness."</p> + + <p>"You imp!" he laughed.</p> + + <p>"Improves my style. You ought to be glad. Let's hear about + the plans for the book."</p> + + <p>They settled down to discussing advertising plans, which + kept them busy until late afternoon. When the last detail was + settled, Bambi rose with a sigh.</p> + + <p>"Whew! That was a long siege. Like Corp in 'Sentimental + Tommy,' it makes me sweat to think."</p> + + <p>"I should not have kept it up so long. I forget you are not + used to this drill," he apologized.</p> + + <p>"I think I'll live. Remember the first time I came to see + you?"</p> + + <p>"Perfectly."</p> + + <p>"Wasn't I scared?"</p> + + <p>"Were you?"</p> + + <p>"You were so kind and fatherly."</p> + + <p>"Fatherly?" he said.</p> + + <p>"What lots of things have happened to me since then," she + mused.</p> + + <p>"And to me," said Richard, under his breath.</p> + + <p>"Heigho! Life is a bubble."</p> + + <p>"You'll feel better after a cup of tea. Where shall we + go?"</p> + + <p>"Let's walk up to the Plaza."</p> + + <p>"Done," said he, closing his desk.</p> + + <p>It was a cold, crisp day, which stimulated the blood like a + cocktail. Bambi breathed deep as she tried to fall in step with + her companion.</p> + + <p>"I can't keep step with you. I'm too little and my skirt's + too tight."</p> + + <p>"I'll keep step with you, my lady."</p> + + <p>"Mercy, don't try. Jarvis says I hop along like a + grasshopper."</p> + + <p>"I resent that. Your free, swaying walk is one of your + charms. You always make me think of a wind-blown flower."</p> + + <p>She looked up at him, radiantly.</p> + + <p>"Richard, you say the charmingest things!"</p> + + <p>"Francesca, you do inspire them."</p> + + <p>"I'm a vain little peacock, and Jarvis never notices how I + look."</p> + + <p>"Too bad to mate a peacock and an owl."</p> + + <p>A brilliant sunset bathed the avenue in a red, gold light. + The steady procession of motors, taxis, and hansom cabs made + its slow way uptown. The shop windows blazed in their most + seductive moments. The sidewalks were crowded with smart men; + fashionable women swathed in magnificent furs; slim, little + pink-cheeked girls. All of them made their way up the broad + highroad toward home or tea, as the case might be.</p> + + <p>"Oh, you blessed fleshpots, how I adore you!"</p> + + <p>"Referring to the men or the women?"</p> + + <p>"Naughty Richard! I mean all the luxury and sensuousness + which New York represents."</p> + + <p>"You hungry little beggar, how you do eat up your + sensations!"</p> + + <p>"They give me indigestion sometimes."</p> + + <p>The foyer of the Plaza was like a reception. The tea-room + was a-clatter and a-clack with tongues.</p> + + <p>"Like the clatter of sleek little squirrels," said Bambi, as + she followed the head-waiter to their table.</p> + + <p>Her comments on people about them, the nicknames she donated + to them, convulsed Strong. He would never again see that + pompous head-waiter except as "Papa Pouter!"</p> + + <p>"Would you get tired of it if you were here all the + time?"</p> + + <p>"I suppose so. It is all so alike. The women all look alike, + and the men, and the waiters. If you dropped through the + ceiling, you could hardly tell whether you were in the Ritz, + the Plaza, the Manhattan, or the Knickerbocker. You would know + it was New York—that's all."</p> + + <p>"What train do you take to-night, or shall you stay + over?"</p> + + <p>"I shall go on the 11:50, if you'll play with me until + then."</p> + + <p>He smiled at her affectation.</p> + + <p>"Suppose we try another kind of crowd to-night, and dine at + the Lafayette."</p> + + <p>"Delighted! I've never been there."</p> + + <p>"It's jolly. You'll like it, I think."</p> + + <p>"Where is it?"</p> + + <p>"Way downtown—University Place. What shall we do + between now and dinner-time?"</p> + + <p>"Let's walk down."</p> + + <p>"Oh, that's a long walk."</p> + + <p>"But I love to walk, unless it is too much for you."</p> + + <p>"Sheer impudence!"</p> + + <p>The walk was one never to be forgotten by Strong. To have + Bambi all to himself, to look forward to hours of such bliss, + to have her swinging along beside him, laughing and chattering, + now and again laying her hand on his arm in confident + friendliness—it was intoxicating.</p> + + <p>By sheer force of will he kept his hand on the throttle of + his emotions. One look, one false move, would ruin it all. He + knew, without any doubts that she did not love him. He even + told himself she loved Jocelyn. He knew that he must make + himself a valuable friend and not an undesired lover, but his + want of her was great, and his fury at Jarvis's indifference + white hot. She caught his set look.</p> + + <p>"Richard!"</p> + + <p>He turned his eyes on her.</p> + + <p>"You're tired of me. I won't talk any more."</p> + + <p>He drew her hand through his arm, and held her there.</p> + + <p>"Don't say that sort of thing, please; it isn't fair."</p> + + <p>"Take it back."</p> + + <p>The Lafayette filled her with excitement. They had a table + on a raised balcony overlooking the main dining-room. Richard + pointed out celebrities, bowed to many friends, talked charming + personalities. A feast of Lucullus was served them. Music and + wine and excitement bewitched Bambi. She sparkled and laughed. + She capped his every sally with a quick retort. She was totally + different from the girl-boy who had walked downtown beside + him.</p> + + <p>"What are you thinking about me?" she challenged him, her + head tipped back provokingly.</p> + + <p>"Daughter of Joy!"</p> + + <p>"I have spent a very pleasant fortnight with you, + Richard!"</p> + + <p>"Has it seemed that long?"</p> + + <p>"Since I left Sunnyside this morning? Quite."</p> + + <p>"How many personalities have you been since then?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, not nearly all my mes."</p> + + <p>"Protean artist?"</p> + + <p>"Headliner," she nodded.</p> + + <p>They drank to the success of the play. Later, as he stood + beside her in the car, a few minutes before she was to leave, + she put her hand in his.</p> + + <p>"I've had the loveliest time," she said. "You are the most + accomplished playmate I ever had."</p> + + <p>"It has been a happy day."</p> + + <p>"Come to Sunnyside soon."</p> + + <p>The train began to move out and he hurried to get off. She + waved to him from the window. She was tired, so she went to bed + at once, with never a dream of the emptiness her small presence + left in New York for the "Playmate."</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XXIV</h2> + + <p>"What luck did you have with the climax, yesterday?" she + asked Jarvis, next day, as she came into the workroom.</p> + + <p>"None at all. I worked all day, and tore it up last + night."</p> + + <p>"Oh, why did you do that?"</p> + + <p>"It was hopeless. If you wanted to teach me how vital you + are to this work, you did it."</p> + + <p>"Such a thing never entered my mind."</p> + + <p>"Shall we begin at it now?"</p> + + <p>"Of course. I'm keen to get at it."</p> + + <p>She plunged into the situation and swept all obstacles + before her. The entire reaction from yesterday's pleasure and + change went into her work. Lunch-time came as a shock, the + morning had fled so fast. Jarvis sighed as he piled up the + pages.</p> + + <p>"You work like an electric dynamo," he remarked.</p> + + <p>"I always work better after a happy vacation. Why don't you + run off for a day, to get your breath, as it were?"</p> + + <p>"Where would I run to?"</p> + + <p>"You might go look up the author-lady you're so interested + in," she remarked, wickedly.</p> + + <p>He made no answer to that.</p> + + <p>The noon mail brought Bambi's latest letter from Jarvis. All + mail was brought immediately to her, so she had a chance to + extract the telltale letters. Jarvis wrote:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p>"DEAR LADY: Your letters are fast becoming a necessity + to me. I look for them as eagerly as a boy. I find myself + more and more absorbed in the 'Francesca' of your fancy, + whom I feel sure is the essence of you. Is it not so?</p> + + <p class="quote">"I am bitterly unhappy these + days—lonely, as I have never been before. The + emotional side of life has always been a closed book to me, + one I disdained to read. So once my heart begins to call + attention to itself, I suppose the more poignant will be my + experience.</p> + + <p class="quote">"I have lately come back from a long exile + spent in a hideous place. I brought with me the first + hunger for love I had ever known. But I found no answering + need in the heart I turned to. I have been thrown back on + myself, to eat my heart out, because I know now that it is + my own fault. If I had tried sooner to make myself a lover, + I would not have to resign that place to another man.</p> + + <p class="quote">"Why do I pour these personal sorrows upon + you, my Lady of Sympathy? I am heartsick for comfort.</p> + + <p class="closing">"Yours,</p> + + <p class="closing">"J."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>Bambi laid her cheek against the poor, hurt letter, and + cried.</p> + + <p>"My poor, bungling Jarvis, how I must have hurt you!"</p> + + <p>She read it again, and all at once light flooded in.</p> + + <p>"Why, it's Richard, of course! He thinks I am in love with + Richard! The dear old goose! He sees so little and sees that + crooked."</p> + + <p>She went in search of him, determined to tell the whole + foolish story, to explain the imaginary obstacles that divided + them. But he was not to be found, so the impulse died, and she + determined to play the farce out to its end, and now, that she + knew the core of the whole situation, she could make it count + for their final readjustment.</p> + + <p>She wrote him at once:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"MY DEAR JARVIS: At last I feel that there + is truth between us. I have suspected that you were not + happy in your love life. But I wanted not to pry into + locked chambers. Now we can be glad of the bond that lies + between us, for I, too, go heart hungry through the + days.</p> + + <p class="quote">"I have not spoken to you of my home, or + my husband, but now that you have become such a part of my + thought life, I feel no disloyalty in the truth.</p> + + <p class="quote">"My husband is a man who has never felt + the want of affection. He is so self-centred in his + devotion to his work that I have always been shut out of + his heart. At first this did not trouble me, for I was + ambitious, too. But so many things have happened to develop + me this last year, to awaken me to my full womanhood!</p> + + <p class="quote">"I have had to face, as you do, the ache + of an unwanted love, tossed back to eat its way like a + corrosive acid. Once, not long ago, I thought, perhaps, + things were going to change for me. I thought he wanted me. + But now I have come to know that it is to another woman he + turns for sympathy and understanding.</p> + + <p class="quote">"So, you see, my dear, we two have the + same heart history. No wonder we have felt our way through + time and space, to clasp hands in such deep affinity. I lay + my hands upon your head, Jarvis.</p> + + <p class="closing">"YOUR LADY."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>His reply came by the first mail.</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"Oh, my dear, my dear, we have found each + other at last, in all truth. It was meant from the + beginning of time that it should be so. Let me come to you. + I cannot bear to live another hour without the touch of + your hand. To think that I do not know your name, or the + colour of your kind eyes! Say that I may come?</p> + + <p class="closing">"Devotedly,</p> + + <p class="closing">"JARVIS."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"JARVIS, MY BIG BOY: You may not come yet. + It is part of a dream, cherished since you came to be the + heart of me, that we should not come together until the + night of the opening of our play. I know you will poohpooh + this as sentimental nonsense. You may even call it + theatrical. But let me have my way, this last one time. + Afterward, my way shall be yours, beloved. Write me to say + you will be patient with my foolishness!</p> + + <p class="quote">"I am afraid of our meeting. Suppose I + should fall short of your ideal of me? That you should + think me ugly or old, I could not bear it. I have come to + know all my happiness lies in the balance of that one + night, toward which we walk, you and I, every minute of + every day.</p> + + <p class="closing">"YOUR LADY."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>His answer came, special delivery:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + <br> + + <p class="quote">"It shall be as you wish, dear heart. But + if anything should happen to delay the opening of the play, + I think I should ask you to remit the sentence of + banishment. I live only to look into your eyes!</p> + + <p class="quote">"How can you say that you may disappoint + me? If you were old, humpbacked, ugly—what + difference? You are mine! We must find freedom for + ourselves and a new life. I adore you.</p> + + <p class="closing">"JARVIS."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>"I wouldn't have thought it of Jarvis," said Bambi as she + read it. "He makes a very creditable lover."</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"My DEAR ONE: I am as impatient as you are + for our meeting. I gladly agree that we shall bring it + about, at once, if anything happens to postpone the play + opening.</p> + + <p class="quote">"What you say about being indifferent to + my looks makes me happy. I shall not try you too far, my + lover. I'm quite pretty and young. Did you know I was + young?</p> + + <p class="quote">"You speak so confidently of freedom and a + new life together. Are we to shed our old mates, like + Nautilus shells? My new coming into love makes me pitiful. + Must we be ruthless?</p> + + <p class="closing">"YOUR OWN."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"DEAR, GENTLE HEART: I do not wish to seem + ruthless to you, much less to be so. But has our suffering + not entitled us to some joy? I know my wife to be absorbed + in another man; you say your husband turns to another + woman. We represent to them stumbling-blocks between them + and their happiness. Surely it is only right that we should + all be freed to find our true mates.</p> + + <p class="quote">"I find it daily more of a burden to carry + this secret in my heart, when knowledge of it would lighten + my wife's unhappiness. Shall we not confess the situation, + and discuss plans for separation? I owe this girl who bears + my name more than I can ever pay. I would not do anything + to hurt her pride. Tell me what you think about it, dear + one?</p> + + <p class="closing">"YOUR JARVIS."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"JARVIS DEAR: Again I must seem to oppose + you. Please let us keep our secrets to ourselves until our + meeting. Suppose that something should happen even yet? + Suppose we should not wish to take this step when the time + comes? I do not want you to hurt your wife. I respect and + love you for your sense of obligation to her. How can she + help loving you, my Jarvis?</p> + + <p class="quote">"When the day comes for me to prove my + devotion, may you say about me that you owe me more than + you can ever pay.</p> + + <p class="quote">"I live only for the completion of the + play.</p> + + <p class="closing">"YOUR LOVE."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XXV</h2> + + <p>Bambi felt the renewed vigour with which Jarvis attacked the + final problems of their task. He was working toward the goal of + his affections, a meeting with his lady. She, too, felt the + strain of the situation, and keyed herself up to a final burst + of speed. The middle of February came, bringing the day which + ended their labours.</p> + + <p>"Well, I believe that is the best we can do with it," Jarvis + said.</p> + + <p>"Yes, our best best. For my part, I feel quite fatuously + satisfied. I think it is perfectly charming."</p> + + <p>"I hope the author will be pleased," he said earnestly.</p> + + <p>"I'm much more concerned with Mr. Frohman's satisfaction. If + he likes it, hang the author!"</p> + + <p>"But I want to please her more than I can say."</p> + + <p>"You have a great interest in that woman, Jarvis. What is it + about her that has caught your attention?"</p> + + <p>"It is difficult to say. As I have grown into her book, so + that it has become a part of my thought, I have been more and + more absorbed in the personality of the woman."</p> + + <p>"You told me the heroine was like me—once."</p> + + <p>"Did I?" in surprise.</p> + + <p>"You've changed your mind, evidently?"</p> + + <p>"No-o. Her brilliance is like you."</p> + + <p>"But not her other qualities?"</p> + + <p>"She seems softer, more appealingly feminine to me, than you + do. You have so much more executive ability——"</p> + + <p>"You think I'm not feminine?"</p> + + <p>"I didn't say that," he evaded.</p> + + <p>"Why do you insist upon thinking the author and heroine to + be one person?"</p> + + <p>"Just a fancy, I suppose. But the book is so intimate that I + feel consciously, or otherwise, the woman has written herself + into 'Francesca.' "</p> + + <p>"You may be approaching an awful shock, my dear Jarvis, when + you meet her."</p> + + <p>"I think not."</p> + + <p>"These author folk! She'll be a middle-aged dowd, mark my + words."</p> + + <p>He rose indignantly, and put the last sheets of the + manuscript away. She watched him, smiling.</p> + + <p>"Shall you go to New York to-morrow?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, if I can get an appointment by wire. I am going to see + about it now."</p> + + <p>"I do hope he will be sensible enough to put it on right + away."</p> + + <p>"He told me to rush it. I think he means an immediate + production."</p> + + <p>"The end of our work together," mused Bambi.</p> + + <p>He turned to her quickly.</p> + + <p>"You care?"</p> + + <p>"Don't you?"</p> + + <p>"It has really been your work, Bambi."</p> + + <p>It was her turn to be startled, but evidently he had no + ulterior meaning.</p> + + <p>"Not at all. I think it is wonderful how well we work + together, considering——"</p> + + <p>"Considering?" he insisted.</p> + + <p>"Oh, our difference in point of view, and, oh, everything!" + she added.</p> + + <p>"It would disappoint you if it were our last work + together?"</p> + + <p>"What an idea, Jarvis! I look forward to years and years of + annual success by the Jocelyns."</p> + + <p>He frowned uncomfortably, as if to speak, thought better of + it, and kept silence.</p> + + <p>"I'll go send my wire," he said. She kissed her finger tips + to his receding back. Later, too, she went to the telegraph + office and sent the following wire.</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"<i>Mr. Charles Frohman:</i></p> + + <p class="quote">"See Jarvis, if possible, to-morrow. Play + finished. Sure success.</p> + + <p class="closing">"FRANCESCA JOCELYN."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>The secretary answered Jarvis's wire at once, making the + appointment at eleven o'clock on the morrow.</p> + + <p>"It seems incredible that anything could run as smoothly as + this for me," said Jarvis, as he read the dispatch.</p> + + <p>"That's because I'm in it," boasted Bambi, with a touch of + her old impudence. "I'm your mascot."</p> + + <p>"That must be it."</p> + + <p>"It means a midnight train for you, to make it comfortably. + Do you suppose you will stay more than a day?"</p> + + <p>"I should think not. I don't know."</p> + + <p>Ardelia came in with a yellow envelope.</p> + + <p>"Sumpin' doin' roun' dis heah house. Telegram boy des' + a-ringin' at de' do' bell stiddy."</p> + + <p>"For me?" said Bambi.</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"<i>Mrs. Jarvis Jocelyn, Sunny side, New + York.</i></p> + + <p class="quote" + style="margin-bottom: 0em;">"Mr. Frohman will see you at + three o'clock to-morrow."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>Bambi gazed at it a moment, a bit dazed, then she + laughed.</p> + + <p>"Anything the matter?" Jarvis inquired.</p> + + <p>"No-o. Oh, no."</p> + + <p>This was how it happened that Mr. Jarvis Jocelyn took the + midnight train to New York, while Mrs. Jarvis Jocelyn followed + on an early morning one.</p> + + <p>"But why, if you both have to go to that city of + abominations, do you not go together?" inquired the + Professor.</p> + + <p>"Part of the secret," she reminded him.</p> + + <p>"Dear me, I had forgotten we were living in a plot. How is + it coming out?"</p> + + <p>"I will know to-day, definitely, just how, when, and where + it is coming out."</p> + + <p>Jarvis presented himself at the theatre at eleven sharp, and + felt a thrill of righteous pride when he was ushered into the + private office without delay. His vow that he would enter + without so much as a calling-card had come true sooner than he + had hoped.</p> + + <p>Mr. Frohman smiled in his friendly way, and shook hands.</p> + + <p>"How's my friend, the ex-Jehu?" he laughed.</p> + + <p>"Fine! I hope you are well."</p> + + <p>"I'm all right. How's the play?"</p> + + <p>"I have it here. It is good."</p> + + <p>"Good, is it?" Mr. Frohman's eyes twinkled.</p> + + <p>"Yes. My—Mrs. Jocelyn worked at it with me, and I have + to admit that the success, if it is one, is largely due to + her."</p> + + <p>"She is a writer, too?"</p> + + <p>"No, but she has a keen dramatic sense. She understands + character, too."</p> + + <p>"So? Lucky for you. Does she want her name on the + bills?"</p> + + <p>"She has never spoken of it, but I wish her to go on as + co-dramatist."</p> + + <p>"All right. Clever wife is an asset. Now we've got just two + hours. Go ahead—read me what you've got there."</p> + + <p>Jarvis unpacked the manuscript and began. He had worked over + the scenes so often with Bambi that he fell into her dramatic + way of "doing" the scenes. Once or twice the manager chuckled + as he recognized her touch and intonation on a line. Certainly + Jarvis had never read so well. He was encouraged by frequent + laughs from his audience. There were interruptions now and + then, criticisms and suggestions. As he read and laid down the + last page, Mr. Frohman nodded his head.</p> + + <p>"Pretty clever work for amateurs," he said.</p> + + <p>"You think it will go?"</p> + + <p>"With some changes and rearrangements. Yes, I should say + so."</p> + + <p>"Are you thinking of producing it soon?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, if I can make satisfactory arrangements with the + author I'll put it in rehearsal right away."</p> + + <p>"I think the author will be satisfied."</p> + + <p>The manager looked a question.</p> + + <p>"We have been corresponding during my work on it," Jarvis + explained.</p> + + <p>Mr. Frohman stared, then laughed.</p> + + <p>"We can soon find out whether she's pleased. She is due here + at three o'clock to-day."</p> + + <p>"She is coming here to-day?" Jarvis exclaimed.</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Could I talk to her then—there is so + much——"</p> + + <p>"Sorry. I promised there would be no one here. Some crazy + idea about keeping her name a secret."</p> + + <p>"Of course. I would not intrude," said Jarvis, hastily. "She + wrote me that she would leave rehearsals to you and me."</p> + + <p>"Did she? Will your wife want to come to rehearsals?"</p> + + <p>"I think so. Would there be any objections?"</p> + + <p>"Not if she is co-author."</p> + + <p>"She is very clever."</p> + + <p>"I don't doubt it. You leave that copy here. I'll go over + it, in part, with the author, and let her take it to look over. + I will wire you what day I want to get the company together for + a reading."</p> + + <p>"All right, sir."</p> + + <p>"If the author is satisfied with this, I'll have a contract + made out to submit to you and your wife. In the meantime, do + you want an advance?"</p> + + <p>"No, thanks."</p> + + <p>"All right. You'll hear from me. You've done surprisingly + well with this, Jocelyn—you, or your wife."</p> + + <p>"Thank you. Good-day."</p> + + <p>"Good-day."</p> + + <p>At three o'clock the other member of the Jocelyn family + arrived.</p> + + <p>"You are good to see me. I would have burst with curiosity + before Jarvis got back," she began the minute she got inside + the door.</p> + + <p>"I naturally wanted to consult the author before I accepted + the play."</p> + + <p>"Is it any good? Are you going to take it?"</p> + + <p>"What do you think about it? Are you satisfied?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. I think it's a love of a play."</p> + + <p>He laughed.</p> + + <p>"How much of it did Jarvis do?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, a great deal!"</p> + + <p>"Not enough to spoil it, eh?"</p> + + <p>"He has worked very hard," she said seriously.</p> + + <p>"He tells me he has corresponded with the author during his + work, and he begged to be here for this meeting."</p> + + <p>"Did he? Bless his heart! It has been so funny—that + correspondence! He's crazy about that author-lady."</p> + + <p>"Either you are very clever, or he's very stupid, which is + it?"</p> + + <p>"Both."</p> + + <p>"When are you going to tell him the truth?"</p> + + <p>"The opening night."</p> + + <p>"Upon my word, you <i>have</i> got a dramatic sense. Blaze + of success, outbursts of applause, husband finds wife is the + centre and cause of it. That sort of thing, eh?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, but don't say it like that. It sounds silly and + cheap."</p> + + <p>"Husband will be mad as fury at the whole thing."</p> + + <p>"You don't think that, do you? That would spoil the whole + thing so entirely," she said in concern.</p> + + <p>"You're the dramatist, I'm only the manager," he + laughed.</p> + + <p>They talked about the cast, the sets, and other practical + details.</p> + + <p>"You're coming to rehearsals, aren't you?" he asked her.</p> + + <p>"Rather!"</p> + + <p>"Jarvis prepared me for that."</p> + + <p>"Did he? Well, he won't be much good. He can't act."</p> + + <p>"I told him you would look over the play, then I would call + the company together for a reading."</p> + + <p>"Consider the script looked over. Do call it quick, Mr. + Frohman; I can hardly wait."</p> + + <p>"What about contracts? Do you want one as author, with + another to you and Jarvis as playwrights?"</p> + + <p>"No, that's too complicated. Let's have one for the whole + thing, then we can divvy up what there is."</p> + + <p>"Suits me. I'll see you next week, then. Better make + arrangements to stay in town during rehearsals."</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes, we will"</p> + + <p>"I think we will pull off a success. This is very human, + this stuff. Good-bye."</p> + + <p>"You've been such a dear. We've just got to succeed for your + sake. Good-bye, and thanks."</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XXVI</h2> + + <p>Bambi hurried to catch the 5:30 train for home, and as it + rushed through the station she spied Jarvis striding on ahead, + evidently bound for the same train. With the caution of a lady + detective she kept behind him until he got aboard. Then she + rushed ahead and got into the first car. At Sunnyside she + astonished the town hackman by leaping into his cab and + ordering him to drive her home, top speed.</p> + + <p>The situation appealed to her taste for intrigue. Into the + house she sped and to her room. The Professor and Ardelia were + in bed and asleep. When Jarvis came in she descended, to + inquire about the fate of their play, with the calm of a + finished actress.</p> + + <p>"I'm waiting for you! What news?" she demanded.</p> + + <p>"He likes it. If the author is satisfied, we go ahead at + once."</p> + + <p>"Hooray!" shouted Bambi, pirouetting madly. "Mr. and Mrs. + Jarvis Jocelyn, the talk of the town," she sang.</p> + + <p>"You did want your name on the bills, then?"</p> + + <p>She stopped in alarm. Had she given it away after all her + trouble?</p> + + <p>"How do you mean on the bills?"</p> + + <p>"As co-author? Mr. Frohman asked me. I told him you had + never spoken of it, but that I wanted you to have full + credit."</p> + + <p>"What else did you tell Mr. Frohman about me?"</p> + + <p>"I told him you were clever."</p> + + <p>"What did he say?" she laughed.</p> + + <p>"Said he didn't doubt it. He will allow you to come to + rehearsals."</p> + + <p>"I should hope so! So it's all settled?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, if the author consents. She was to see the play at + three this afternoon."</p> + + <p>"Was she? Why didn't you wait and see her?"</p> + + <p>"She wished to talk to Mr. Frohman alone."</p> + + <p>"Isn't she tiresome, with all her mystery? You don't think + she could hold us up on it now, at the last minute, do + you?"</p> + + <p>"She could, but I don't think she will. Rehearsals will be + called next week."</p> + + <p>"Oh, goody! Jarvis, aren't you happy about it?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"But you aren't happy enough!"</p> + + <p>He sighed. It was all so different from the way he had + planned to bring her his first success.</p> + + <p>"Something seems to have gone amiss with us, doesn't it, + Bambi?"</p> + + <p>"I haven't noticed it."</p> + + <p>"You're satisfied to go on as we are now?"</p> + + <p>"I can think of a few improvements. I'll tell you about them + later."</p> + + <p>"So many things seem to hinge on the success of this + play!"</p> + + <p>"They do! May the gods take notice," she laughed.</p> + + <p>On the following Tuesday came the call for a reading of the + play with the company, Wednesday, at eleven. Bambi was as + excited as a child over the announcement.</p> + + <p>"I think we had better plan to stay at the National Arts + Club again, during rehearsals, Jarvis."</p> + + <p>"I am not sure I can finance that. I told Mr. Frohman I did + not need an advance."</p> + + <p>"I've got some left. You can borrow back the hundred you + paid me, to start off on."</p> + + <p>"You're like the old woman with the magic purse."</p> + + <p>"I'm thrifty and saving."</p> + + <p>"Well, if we can accomplish it without robbing you I agree + with you that it would be better to stay in town."</p> + + <p>"Settled. You go pack your things, and I'll look after + mine."</p> + + <p>They prepared to make their second pilgrimage, this time to + the "Land of Promise."</p> + + <p>The Professor showed an unusual amount of interest in the + matter.</p> + + <p>"How long will it take to rehearse it?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"We don't know yet, we're such amateurs. But as soon as we + know the date set for the opening you and Ardelia are to + prepare to come. You can come up the day of the performance, + and if you can't stand it, you may come home the next day."</p> + + <p>"A trip to New York? What an upsetting idea!"</p> + + <p>"Would you rather stay here, and miss the first play Jarvis + and I ever did together?" said Bambi, disappointedly.</p> + + <p>"No, certainly not. I'll come. Just make a note of it, and + put it in a conspicuous place," he added.</p> + + <p>"We'll keep you reminded, never fear."</p> + + <p>Ardelia gasped when she heard she was to go.</p> + + <p>"I'll send you a list of the clothes to bring for the + Professor in plenty of time. I shall give you a new black silk + dress for the occasion."</p> + + <p>"Lawd a' massy, Miss Bambi! I'se so excited I cain't talk. A + noo silk dress an' a-goin' to Noo Yawk wid de Perfessor. I + decla' dey ain't no niggah woman in dis heah town got sech + quality to work fo' as dis old niggah has."</p> + + <p>"Why, Ardelia, we couldn't have it without you."</p> + + <p>"Am I gwine sit wid de' white folks in de' theatre, or up in + niggah heaven?"</p> + + <p>"You'll sit in a box with the rest of us."</p> + + <p>"Gawd-a'mighty, honey, dis gwine to be de happies' 'casion + ob my life."</p> + + <p>The co-authors took the night train.</p> + + <p>"Not quite a year ago since our first journey together," + said Bambi.</p> + + <p>"That's so. It seems a century, doesn't it?"</p> + + <p>"That is a distinctly husband remark."</p> + + <p>"I was only thinking of how much had happened in that + time."</p> + + <p>"Two new beings have happened—a new you and a new me," + she answered him.</p> + + <p>"Are you as changed as I am?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Yes. You haven't noticed me enough to realize it, I + suppose."</p> + + <p>He made no reply to that. Arrived in New York, they went to + the clubhouse, and took the same rooms they had before. As + Bambi looked about the room, she turned to Jarvis in the + doorway:</p> + + <p>"It is a century since I knelt at that window and arranged + our spectacular success."</p> + + <p>"Well, we're a year nearer to it. Let's get a good night's + rest, for to-morrow we enter on a new chapter."</p> + + <p>"It's jolly we enter it together, isn't it, Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>He nodded, embarrassed.</p> + + <p>"I should like to wish you luck in the new venture, Mr. + Jarvis Jocelyn."</p> + + <p>"I wish you the same, Miss Mite," he said, clasping her hand + warmly.</p> + + <p>"You haven't called me Miss Mite for a long time," she said, + softly. "I like it."</p> + + <p>"Good-night," said Jarvis abruptly, and left.</p> + + <p>"You're a poor actor, my Jarvis," she chuckled to + herself.</p> + + <p>At eleven o'clock they presented themselves at the theatre. + The reading was to take place in Mr. Frohman's big room. Jarvis + and Bambi were admitted at once.</p> + + <p>"Good-morning," said Mr. Frohman.</p> + + <p>"Good-morning. This is Mrs. Jocelyn, Mr. Frohman."</p> + + <p>Bambi offered her hand to the manager with a solemn face, + but the laugh twinkled in her eyes.</p> + + <p>"How do you do, Mrs. Jocelyn? I understand that you had a + great deal to do with this play?"</p> + + <p>"I did," she admitted. "Without me this play would have been + nothing."</p> + + <p>"This leaves you no ground to stand on, Mr. Jocelyn," he + laughed.</p> + + <p>The members of the company arrived and were presented to the + authors. Bambi kept them all laughing until Mr. Frohman called + order. They sat in state around the big table.</p> + + <p>"I propose that Mrs. Jocelyn read us the play," Mr. Frohman + said.</p> + + <p>"Oh, shall I? It is really Jarvis——"</p> + + <p>"If you please," said Mr. Frohman, indicating a chair.</p> + + <p>So Bambi began, with a smile at Jarvis, and another at the + audience. They all felt in a good humour. The play was so + peculiarly hers, the intimate quality which had made the book + "go" had been wonderfully retained, so that spontaneous + laughter marked her progress through the comedy. It was all so + true and universal, the characters so well drawn, the + denouement so happy! At the climax of the third act the company + broke into irresistible and unpremeditated applause.</p> + + <p>"Oh, God bless you for that!" said Bambi, her eyes wet with + gratitude.</p> + + <p>"We ought to cast you for the girl. You are enough like her + to have sat for the portrait," said Mr. Frohman, wickedly.</p> + + <p>Jarvis turned to look at Bambi in his earnest way. He marked + the likeness, again, himself.</p> + + <p>"I shall play it just as you read it, Mrs. Jocelyn," said + the girl who was cast for the lead.</p> + + <p>"You will greatly improve on my Francesca, I'm sure," Bambi + nodded to her.</p> + + <p>Parts were distributed, much discussion followed as to + character drawing and business, then they separated to meet for + rehearsal the next day at 10:30. Mr. Frohman had an immediate + appointment, so the Jocelyns had no opportunity for a word in + private.</p> + + <p>"Queer that Mr. Frohman should think that you are like + Francesca, too," said Jarvis, on their way to the club.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I don't know. We are the same type. That's all."</p> + + <p>"You could play the part wonderfully."</p> + + <p>"Could I? It would be fun! Still, I think we can make more + money and have more fun writing plays."</p> + + <p>She seemed always to be harping on their future + together!</p> + + <p>The next day was full of surprises for them both. They were + entirely ignorant of conditions in and about the theatre. The + big, dark house, with its seats all swathed in linen covers, + the empty, barn-like stage, with chairs set about to indicate + properties; the stage hands coming and going, the stage manager + shouting directions—it was all new to them. The members + of the company were as businesslike as bank clerks. No hint of + illusion, no scrap of romance!</p> + + <p>"Mercy! it's like a ghost house," said Bambi.</p> + + <p>A deal table was set at one side, down stage, for the + Jocelyns, with two scripts of the play. They sat down like + frightened school children, bewildered as to what would be + expected of them.</p> + + <p>The actors sat in a row of chairs at one side. The stage + manager made some explanations and remarks about rehearsals, + and then the first act was called. It was slow and tedious + work. Over and over again the scenes were tried. Some of the + actors fumbled their lines as if they had never read English + before. Now and then the manager appealed to the authors for + the reading of a line, or an intonation, and Bambi always + answered. At the end of one scene the man who was to play the + young musician came to them.</p> + + <p>"I've been thinking over my part, Mrs. Jocelyn, and I think + that if you could write in a scene right here, in act first, to + let me explain to the old fiddler my reason for being in this + situation——"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no, you mustn't explain. The whole point of the first + act is that you explain nothing."</p> + + <p>"Yes, but it would play better," he began, in the + patronizing tone always used to newcomers in the theatre.</p> + + <p>"I can't help that. I cannot spoil the truth of a whole + character, even if it does play better," said Bambi, smiling + sweetly.</p> + + <p>The actor took it up with the stage manager after rehearsal, + and was referred to the authors.</p> + + <p>"These new playwrights always have to learn at our expense," + he said, importantly.</p> + + <p>"Can't be helped. We have to use playwrights, however + irritating they are," remarked the stage manager.</p> + + <p>Day after day they assembled at the same hour and slowly + built up the structure of the play. Many nights Jarvis and + Bambi worked on new scenes, or the rearrangement of the old + ones. The first act was twisted about many times before it + "played" to the stage manager's satisfaction. New lines had to + be introduced, new business worked out every day. It was hard + work for everybody except Bambi, and she declared it was fun. + No matter how trying the rehearsals, nor how hard she had to + work, she enjoyed every minute of it. They soon discovered that + Jarvis had no talent for rehearsing. In fact, the mechanics of + the thing bored him. When a new scene was demanded quickly, his + mind refused to work. It was Bambi's quick wits that saved the + day. After the first few days she was the only one to be + consulted and appealed to by everybody.</p> + + <p>"I can't see that you need me at all in this business. I'm + no good at it."</p> + + <p>"Yes, you are, too. You saw where that new scene in the + third act belonged at once."</p> + + <p>"Yes, after you wrote the scene."</p> + + <p>"But this is why we need each other. I didn't see where the + scene belonged at all. If we both could do the same thing, we + wouldn't need to collaborate. Thank heaven, we don't have the + author underfoot interfering all the time."</p> + + <p>"I don't believe she would interfere."</p> + + <p>"Heard anything from her, lately?"</p> + + <p>"No, she is waiting for the production, I suppose."</p> + + <p>"And then the deluge! I may lose you to that story-writing + female yet!" she teased him.</p> + + <p>"Don't!" he protested, quickly.</p> + + <p>"I won't," she retorted, meaningly.</p> + + <p>In late March the date of the production was set. It gave + Bambi unbelievable pleasure to read the announcements on the + billboards, and to stand in front of the three-sheets in the + foyer of the theatre.</p> + + <p>She wrote Ardelia full directions in regard to packing the + Professor's dress clothes; she told her the train they were to + take; she worked out every detail, so that nothing might be + left to the sievelike memories of the principals on this + foreign journey.</p> + + <p>She ordered a new frock for herself, and succeeded in + getting Jarvis measured for new dress clothes. Then she threw + herself, heart and soul, into the last few days of work at the + theatre, helping to polish and strengthen the play. The night + of dress rehearsal came, and with it a new development for her + consideration and management.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XXVII</h2> + + <p>Dress rehearsal was called at midnight, as two of the + principals were playing in other theatres. There was an air of + suspense and confusion on the stage, where the new sets were + being put on, which threw Jarvis into a cold sweat of terror. + It only added one degree to Bambi's mounting excitement. She + and Jarvis made their way to the front of the house, where Mr. + Frohman, the leader of the orchestra, and a few other people + interested in the production were assembled.</p> + + <p>"I never realized before how many people, how much work and + money and brain go into the production of the simplest comedy + for one night's amusement," she said to Mr. Frohman.</p> + + <p>"And yet managers are always blamed because they don't take + more chances on new playwrights," he smiled.</p> + + <p>"Jarvis looks as if he were walking to the guillotine, + doesn't he?"</p> + + <p>"It is a strain, isn't it, Jocelyn? You get used to it after + a few first-nights."</p> + + <p>Jarvis nodded, wetting his dry lips with a nervous + tongue.</p> + + <p>The curtain went down and came up. The first act began. + Bambi scarcely breathed. Jarvis could be heard all over the + house. The first part of the act hitched along and had to be + repeated; the stage manager came out and scolded, while Mr. + Frohman called directions from the front. Bambi turned to + Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"It's going to be a failure," she said.</p> + + <p>"Oh, don't say that!" he fairly groaned.</p> + + <p>"Don't be discouraged!" said Mr. Frohman, noting their + despairing looks. "Dress rehearsals are usually the limit."</p> + + <p>"But it can't go like this, and succeed," Bambi wailed.</p> + + <p>"Don't you worry. It won't go like this."</p> + + <p>The night wore on, miserably, for the authors. Everything + had to be done over—lines were forgotten—everybody + was in a nervous stew.</p> + + <p>"The awful part of it is that we've done all we can do," + moaned Bambi. "If they ruin it, we can't prevent them."</p> + + <p>"We'll make them rehearse all day to-morrow," said Jarvis, + fiercely. "They were better than this two weeks ago."</p> + + <p>The end of the agony finally came. The stage manager + assembled the weary company and gave them a few select and + sarcastic remarks as to their single and collective failure. + Mr. Frohman added a few words, and ordered them all to dismiss + the play from their minds until the morrow night. Bambi tried + to say a word of encouragement and thanks to them, but in the + midst of it she broke down and wept.</p> + + <p>"Take her home and keep her in bed to-morrow, Jocelyn," Mr. + Frohman said.</p> + + <p>Jarvis hurried her into a cab, and she sobbed softly all the + way home. He made no effort to touch her or comfort her; he was + in torment himself. At the club he ordered eggnog and + sandwiches sent to her room, whither he followed her, helpless + to cope with her tears.</p> + + <p>She threw her things off and bathed her eyes, while he set + out the table for the food. When the boy appeared with it, + Jarvis led her to her chair and served her. She smiled mistily + at him.</p> + + <p>"It's nerves and excitement and overwork," she explained. He + nodded.</p> + + <p>"If it failed now, it would be too awful," he said.</p> + + <p>"Don't say that word; don't even think it!" she cried.</p> + + <p>"You mustn't care so much," he begged her.</p> + + <p>"Don't you care?"</p> + + <p>"Of course, more than you know. But I am prepared for + failure, if it comes."</p> + + <p>"I can't be prepared for it. It cannot happen!" she + sobbed.</p> + + <p>He stood looking down at her helplessly.</p> + + <p>"What can I do for you? What is it you want?" he demanded + gently.</p> + + <p>"I want to be rocked," she sobbed.</p> + + <p>"To be——"</p> + + <p>She pushed him into a big chair, and climbed into his + arms.</p> + + <p>"Rocked," she finished.</p> + + <p>He held her a minute closely, then he rose and set her + down.</p> + + <p>"I can't do it," he began. "I have something to tell you + that must be said——"</p> + + <p>"Not to-night, Jarvis, I'm too tired."</p> + + <p>"Yes, to-night, before another hour passes. Sit down there, + please."</p> + + <p>She obeyed, curiously.</p> + + <p>"Do you remember Christmas Eve, when I came home?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Did you notice anything different about me?"</p> + + <p>"How, different?"</p> + + <p>"Did it occur to you that I cared about you, for the first + time?"</p> + + <p>"I—I—suspicioned it a little."</p> + + <p>"Then you deliberately ignored it because you did not want + my love?"</p> + + <p>"I—I—didn't mean to ignore it."</p> + + <p>"But you did."</p> + + <p>"I wasn't sure; you never spoke of it, never said you cared. + After that first night I thought I must have been + mistaken."</p> + + <p>"But you were glad to be mistaken?"</p> + + <p>"No. I was sorry," she said, softly.</p> + + <p>"What?" sharply.</p> + + <p>"I wanted your love, Jarvis."</p> + + <p>"You can't mean that."</p> + + <p>"But I do!"</p> + + <p>"But, Strong—you love Strong——"</p> + + <p>She rose quickly, her face flushed.</p> + + <p>"I love Richard Strong as my friend, and in no other + way."</p> + + <p>"Certainly he loves you."</p> + + <p>"He has never told me so."</p> + + <p>"You let me believe you cared for him; you tortured me with + your show of preference for him."</p> + + <p>"You imagined that, Jarvis. It is not true!"</p> + + <p>"It is true!" he cried, passionately. "I came to you, eager + for your love, wanting you as I had never wanted anything. You + flaunted this man in my face, you shut me out, you drove me + back on myself——"</p> + + <p>"Well?"</p> + + <p>"What did you expect me to do? Endure forever in + silence?"</p> + + <p>"What did you do? Or what do you mean to do?"</p> + + <p>"I have come to care for a woman who understands + me——"</p> + + <p>"A woman, Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"The woman who wrote 'Francesca.' I cared first because she + had put into her heroine so many things that were like + you."</p> + + <p>"Well?" she said again.</p> + + <p>"She has come to care for me. I wanted to tell you so long + ago, when we first knew, but she begged me not to until after + the play was tried out. But I can't stand it another minute. + There must be truth between us, Bambi. I want you to read her + letters. I want you to try to understand how this has crept + into my heart."</p> + + <p>"You wish to be free—to go to her?"</p> + + <p>"There is no happiness for us, is there?"</p> + + <p>"I'm too tired to think it out now, Jarvis. You must go away + and let me get myself together."</p> + + <p>She looked like a pitiful little wraith, and his heart ached + for her.</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry I had to add to your hard day, but I had to say + this to-night."</p> + + <p>"It's all right. I must ask you not to speak to me of it + again until after to-morrow night. I need all my strength for + that ordeal. After that, we must turn our attention to this new + problem, and work it out together, somehow."</p> + + <p>"Thank you. I'm sorry I've been such a disappointment to + you, my dear," he added.</p> + + <p>"Good-night. Take the letters—I could not bear to read + them."</p> + + <p>With an agonized look he took them and left her.</p> + + <p>"Dear lord, I'm through with plots! I'm sick unto death of + the secret," she sighed, as she climbed into bed.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XXVIII</h2> + + <p>Bambi kept to her room next day until it was time to meet + the train on which Ardelia and the Professor were to arrive. It + was due at four o'clock. She went to Jarvis's door, but he was + not in his room. She had heard nothing of him since his + confession of the night before.</p> + + <p>Her telephone bell startled her, and she took up the + receiver to hear Jarvis's voice.</p> + + <p>"Bambi?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"How are you?"</p> + + <p>"All right."</p> + + <p>"Don't you want me to meet the Professor and Ardelia? + There's no need of your going up to Grand Central."</p> + + <p>"I'd rather go thank you, Jarvis. Where are you?"</p> + + <p>"At the theatre."</p> + + <p>"Anything the matter?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. I came to talk to the stage manager. He says + everything will be all right to-night. Are you resting?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. I've had a quiet day, sitting on my nervous system. + Where have you been?"</p> + + <p>"Walking the streets."</p> + + <p>"Come home and take some rest. I'll meet the train. Thank + you just as much for thinking of it."</p> + + <p>"I'll be at the information booth at five minutes to + four."</p> + + <p>"All right."</p> + + <p>She hung up the phone with a dazed face. The idea of Jarvis + taking care of her, inquiring after her health, and trying to + spare her!</p> + + <p>"Every blessed thing is topsy-turvy," she exclaimed + aloud.</p> + + <p>At four o'clock she walked up to the booth, and there he + stood, anxiously scanning the faces that passed.</p> + + <p>"Hello!" she said cheerfully.</p> + + <p>He looked grateful and smiled.</p> + + <p>"You look as if you had had a spell of sickness, you're so + white," he said.</p> + + <p>"I'm all right, but you look like a nervous pros. case. + Aren't we pitiful objects for eminently successful + playwrights?"</p> + + <p>"I suppose one gets used to this strain in time," he said, + taking her arm to help her through the crowd.</p> + + <p>No sooner had the train come to a stop than they saw + Ardelia's huge frame descend from the car, holding a dress + suitcase in each hand. After her came the Professor, looking + very small and shrunken. Ardelia saw them afar, and waved the + heavy suitcase in the air like a banner as she hurried toward + them.</p> + + <p>"Howdy, Miss Bambi? Howdy, Mistah Jarvis? Heah we is."</p> + + <p>"Bless your old hearts!" said Bambi, hugging them both.</p> + + <p>"How are you, children?" the Professor inquired.</p> + + <p>"We're fine! Did you have a comfortable time on the trip? + Why did you sit in the day coach, father?"</p> + + <p>"De Perfessor, he won't set in de' chaih cah, cause'n dey + won't let me in dere, an' he's 'fraid he fergit to git off + less'n he was 'longside ob me."</p> + + <p>"But the train stops here—it doesn't go any farther. + My! Ardelia, you do look stylish!"</p> + + <p>"Yas'm. Wait until yo' see my noo black silk. I'se got me a + tight skirt, an' a Dutch neck—Lawzee, honey, but dis ole + niggah's gittin' mighty frisky."</p> + + <p>She and Jarvis had an argument about the bags. She insisted + upon carrying them herself, and indignantly refused the help of + the coloured porter.</p> + + <p>"Go way f'um heah, boy. Yo' reckon I gwine trust yo' all wid + ma' noo silk dress an de Perfessor's dress suit? No, sah!"</p> + + <p>She kept them laughing all the way to the club with her + tales of their difficulties and excitements in getting off. Her + exclamations on everything she saw were convulsing. When they + arrived at the club, and she discovered that she was to have + the little room next to Bambi's, her satisfaction was + complete.</p> + + <p>Bambi ordered the entire family to repose on its respective + backs for an hour before they dressed for dinner. So they + parted to obey orders. For that hour Bambi held herself firmly + upon her bed, completing her plans. They had agreed, she and + Jarvis, that if there should be a call for the author, they + would take it together, and Jarvis would speak. She was not + sure just how she was to make the revelation to him of her dual + personality. She decided to leave it to chance.</p> + + <p>Never in her life had she been so excited. The double + responsibility as author and playwright shrank to second place + in comparison with the fact that this night she was to tell + Jarvis of her love for him—hear him speak his love for + her.</p> + + <p>Before the hour of enforced quiet was over she could hear + Ardelia tiptoeing about her room. Presently her head was + cautiously inserted through the door. When she saw a hand waved + at her, she bounced in.</p> + + <p>"Laws, honey, I'se so excited, I cain't hol' my eyes shet. I + got de Perfessor's dress suit cloes all laid out smooth, wif de + buttons in de shirt, an' de white tie ready. Now, yo' let me + help yo' all git dressed befo' I begin to wrassle wid dat tight + skirt ob mine."</p> + + <p>"All right, sit down and hold your hands till I jump into my + bath."</p> + + <p>While Bambi bathed, Ardelia shouted all the gossip of home + through the bathroom door. Upon Bambi's reappearance, she + insisted upon dressing her like a child. She put on her silk + stockings and slippers, getting herself down and up with many a + grunt. She constituted herself a critical judge in the + hairdressing process, and fussed about every pin.</p> + + <p>"Why ain't yo' all had one ob dese heah hair-fixers do yo' + haid?"</p> + + <p>"And make me look like a hair-shop model? Not much!"</p> + + <p>"Well, yo' done purty good."</p> + + <p>"Wait till I curl it," said Bambi, throwing up the window + and popping her head out into the night air.</p> + + <p>"Fo' de Lawd's sake, yo' curl yo' haih in Noo Yawk jes' lak + yo' do at home."</p> + + <p>"Why not? This cold, damp air is just the thing. Now look at + me," she boasted, shaking her head so that the soft, curly + rings fluttered like little bells about her face.</p> + + <p>"Yo'll do," said Ardelia.</p> + + <p>Bambi disappeared into the closet, and presently she popped + out her head.</p> + + <p>"Ardelia, prepare to die of joy. When you have seen my new + dress, life has nothing more to offer you."</p> + + <p>"I ain' gwine to die till after dis show."</p> + + <p>Out of the closet Bambi danced, her arms full of sunset + clouds apparently She held it up, and Ardelia's eyes + bulged.</p> + + <p>"Yo' don' call dat a dress?"</p> + + <p>"Put it on me, and you'll call it a poem."</p> + + <p>"Dey ain't nuthin' to it," she protested, as she slipped it + over Bambi's head.</p> + + <p>It was certainly a diaphanous thing of many layers of + chiffon, graduating in colour from flame to palest apricot + pink. It hung straight and simple on Bambi's lithe figure, + bringing out all the colour, the dash, the firelike quality in + the girl's personality. The flush in her cheeks, the glow in + her eyes, even the little curls, were like twisted tongues of + flame. She whirled for Ardelia's inspection.</p> + + <p>"I know dat ain't no decent dress, but yo' sho' is beautiful + as Pottypar's wife."</p> + + <p>"Who's she?"</p> + + <p>"She's in the Bible!"</p> + + <p>Bambi laughed.</p> + + <p>"I look like the 'fire of spring,' " she nodded to her + reflection. "Of course I'm beautiful! This is the biggest, + happiest night of my life!"</p> + + <p>A boy came for the Professor's clothes, and a little later + that distracted gentleman presented himself to have his tie + arranged, and to be looked over generally in case of + omissions.</p> + + <p>"My dear!" he exclaimed at sight of his daughter.</p> + + <p>"<i>Aren't</i> I wonderful?"</p> + + <p>He put his hand under her chin and tipped her face to + him.</p> + + <p>"There is something about you to-night—elemental is + the word—fire, water, and air."</p> + + <p>She hugged him.</p> + + <p>"Oh, but you've got a surprise coming to you this night. You + are about to discover other unsuspected elements in your + offspring."</p> + + <p>"My dear, I'm so excited now I'm counting backward. Don't + explode anything on me or I'll lose control."</p> + + <p>"The secret is coming out to-night."</p> + + <p>"Is it painful?"</p> + + <p>"No, it's heavenly!"</p> + + <p>Jarvis rapped.</p> + + <p>"May I come in?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>He stood on the threshold a moment, a truly magnificent + figure in his evening clothes.</p> + + <p>"Jarvis!" breathed Bambi.</p> + + <p>"Bambi!" exclaimed Jarvis, and they stood a-gaze. She + recovered first.</p> + + <p>"Do you like me?" she coquetted.</p> + + <p>He walked about her slowly, considering her from all + sides.</p> + + <p>"Ariel!" he said at last.</p> + + <p>"Oh, thank you, Apollo," she laughed, to cover the lump in + her throat at his awed admiration.</p> + + <p>They sent Ardelia's supper up to her, and the rest of them + made an attempt at dining, but nobody could eat a thing. Bambi + talked incessantly from excitement, and all eyes in the + dining-room were focussed upon her.</p> + + <p>Ardelia was in a tremor of pride when they went upstairs + again. She shone like ebony, and grinned like a Hindoo idol. + They admired her, to her heart's content, and she descended to + the cab in a state of sinful pride.</p> + + <p>Although they were early, the motors were already unloading + before the theatre. They were to sit in the stage box, and as + soon as the rest of them were seated Bambi went back on the + stage to say good-evening to the company. The first-night + excitement prevailed back there. Every member of the company + was dressed and made up a good half hour too soon. They all + assured the perturbed author that she need have no fears, + everything would go off in fine shape. Somewhat relieved, she + started to go out front, when she ran into Mr. Frohman.</p> + + <p>"Good-evening. If you are as well as you look, you're all + right," he smiled at her.</p> + + <p>"I feel like a loaded mine about to blow to pieces," she + answered.</p> + + <p>"Hold on for a couple of hours more. Does Jarvis know + yet?"</p> + + <p>"Not yet."</p> + + <p>He laughed and went on. Bambi returned to the box, where she + sat far back in the corner. The house was filling fast now. + More than a little interest was evinced in the strange box + party of big Jarvis, the Professor, and Ardelia. Richard Strong + nodded and smiled from a nearby seat.</p> + + <p>"We should have come in late, just as the curtain rose," + whispered Bambi. "We must not be so green again."</p> + + <p>"Why so, daughter?"</p> + + <p>"Then we wouldn't be stared at."</p> + + <p>"Are we stared at? By whom?"</p> + + <p>The overture interrupted her reply. The seats were full now + as high as the eye could reach the balconies. Bambi scanned the + faces eagerly. Would they like the play? If they only knew what + it meant to Jarvis and to her to have them like it!</p> + + <p>The curtain rose. For two full moments she could not + breathe. The act started off briskly, and little by little her + tension relaxed. She laid her hand on Jarvis's knee and it was + stiff with nervous concentration. The first genuine laugh came + to both of them like manna from heaven.</p> + + <p>"It's all right," Bambi whispered to Jarvis. He nodded, his + eyes glued to the stage. Of all kinds of creative work, + dramatic writing can be the most poignant or the most + satisfactory. It is the keenest pleasure to see characters whom + you have invented given life and personality if the actors are + clever. The Jocelyns had the aid of practically a perfect cast. + The sense of power that comes with the laughter or the tears of + an audience aroused by your thoughts is a very real experience. + Bambi "ate up her sensations," as Strong had said. As the + curtain descended after the first act the applause was + instantaneous and long.</p> + + <p>"They like it," Bambi said with a sigh.</p> + + <p>"Yes, thank God!" from Jarvis.</p> + + <p>"You told me not to take this seriously, Jarvis," she + reminded him.</p> + + <p>"Does anybody know who wrote this book?" the Professor + inquired.</p> + + <p>"Not yet. We are to know to-night. I wonder where she is?" + Jarvis added to Bambi.</p> + + <p>"I've thought that fat old one in the opposite box," she + said wickedly. "Why did you ask, father?"</p> + + <p>"It is a diverting idea. The girl is like you, or maybe it + is the similarity of the names that suggests it."</p> + + <p>"What do you think about the play, Ardelia?"</p> + + <p>"Law, honey, 'tain't no play-actin' to me. It's jes' lak' + bein' home wid yo' an' de' Perfessor and Marse Jarvis. Dose + folkses is jes' lak yo' all."</p> + + <p>Bambi laughed outright. Ardelia was the only one who + guessed.</p> + + <p>"I trust you do not compare me to that impractical old + fiddling man," the Professor protested to Ardelia.</p> + + <p>"Sh! Here's the curtain!" warned Bambi.</p> + + <p>The second act went like a breeze. Laughter and applause + punctuated its progress. The house was warming up. Bambi + slipped her hand into Jarvis's, and he held it so tight that + she could feel his heart beat through his palm. There was no + doubt about it at the end of the second act. It was going. The + company took repeated curtain calls, smiling at the + Jocelyns.</p> + + <p>"I'm grinning so I shall never get my face straight again," + Bambi said to Richard, who came to the box to congratulate + them.</p> + + <p>"Looks like a go," he said, cordially.</p> + + <p>Even Jarvis unbent to him, and insisted upon his sitting + with them for the third act. Bambi added a smiling second. She + had explained to Richard, in advance, why she did not invite + him to share the box.</p> + + <p>"I am having a most unexpectedly good time," the Professor + admitted to them all.</p> + + <p>Jarvis's state of mind was painful as the last act began. In + the next thirty minutes he was to meet the woman he thought he + loved. Since his confession to Bambi the night before, a doubt + had raised its head to stare at him as to the real depth of his + feeling for his unknown inamorata. Had he really been moved by + love, or was it only a need of sympathy for his hurt pride that + had driven him to her? Bambi's strange behaviour, her admission + that she did not love Strong, most of all those moments when + she lay in his arms—they had upset all his convictions + and emotions. He paid no attention to the act at all, torn as + he was as to what the night would bring him.</p> + + <p>He was aroused by storms of applause. The curtain went up + again, and again; the company bowed solo and in a group. Then + calls of "Author! Author!" were heard all over the house. Bambi + clutched Jarvis's sleeve and drew him back of the box.</p> + + <p>"Go on! You've got to go out and bow. You do it alone, + Jarvis——"</p> + + <p>In answer he took her arm and propelled her in front of him, + back on the stage.</p> + + <p>"Here they are! give them full stage!" said the stage + manager, ringing up the curtain. "Now, go ahead, right out + there!"</p> + + <p>He opened a door in the set and Jarvis and Bambi went on. + There was a hush for a second, then a big round of applause. + Bambi laughed and waved her hand. There was a hush of + expectancy.</p> + + <p>"Now, Jarvis, go on!" she prompted him.</p> + + <p>Jarvis, cold as death, began to speak. He thanked everybody + in the prescribed way, beginning with the audience, ending with + the company. He said he was happy that they liked the play, but + that he was making the speech under false pretenses. All the + credit for the success must go to two women, his wife and + collaborator——Here he turned to include Bambi, but + to his astonishment she was gone. The audience laughed at his + discomfiture, but he turned it off wittily. The other woman, + the one to whom most of the credit was due, was the author of + the book. She had so far hidden behind an anonymity, but he + believed she was in the house to-night, and it was to her that + their congratulations should be offered. Cries of "Author! + Author of the book!" with much clapping of hands. Jarvis stood + there, scarcely breathing, cold sweat on his brow, waiting for + her to come. The applause became a clamour. The door opened and + Bambi floated in. She did not see the audience, her eyes were + fixed on Jarvis's face, and the strange expression she saw + there. She came to him, put her hand in his, and smiled. He was + so obviously nonplussed that the people grasped a new situation + and were suddenly still. Bambi smiled at him and spoke:</p> + + <p>"Dear People: If you have had as much fun to-night as I + have, we owe each other nothing! And the most fun of all is the + astonishment of Mr. Jarvis Jocelyn, who discovers himself to be + a bigamist. He's married to the co-dramatist and the author, + and he never knew it! That I wrote the book has been a secret + until this minute. If you hadn't liked the play, I never + <i>would</i> have admitted that I wrote it. You're the very + nicest first-nighters I ever met, and we are both most grateful + to you, the bigamist and I."</p> + + <p>There was wild applause, flowers were tossed from the boxes, + calls of "Brava!" greeted the little bowing figure clinging + tightly to the big man's hand. They finally made their escape + to the wings, and Bambi turned to Jarvis for what was to her + the real climax of the evening.</p> + + <p>He looked at her so strangely that she laid her hand on his + arm.</p> + + <p>"You aren't glad?" she questioned, anxiously.</p> + + <p>Some members of the company surrounded them with + congratulations, and when they were free they had to hurry out + to rescue the rest of the family.</p> + + <p>"What did you think of the secret, Daddy?"</p> + + <p>"My child, I am past all thought. I wish to be taken home, + put to bed, and allowed to recover slowly. I have had a shock + of surprise that would kill a less vigorous man."</p> + + <p>"But you liked it? You were glad I did it?"</p> + + <p>"I am so proud of you that I am imbecile. Let us go + home."</p> + + <p>Richard shook both her hands in silent congratulation.</p> + + <p>"Where is Jarvis?" asked her father.</p> + + <p>A search failed to find him. Richard made a trip back on the + stage, but he was not there.</p> + + <p>"We won't wait, if you will put us into our cab," Bambi said + to him.</p> + + <p>He saw them all off, promising to send Jarvis along if he + saw him.</p> + + <p>"What do you suppose became of him?" demanded the + Professor.</p> + + <p>But Bambi did not answer. All the triumph of the evening + counted for nothing to her now. Jarvis had been hurt or angered + at her revelation. He had deliberately gone off and left her, + regardless of appearances. She spent the night in anxious + listening for his return, but morning found his rooms vacant, + his bed untouched. Bambi's heart misgave her.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XXIX</h2> + + <p>Jarvis was never sure what happened to him after he came off + the stage with Bambi. Something had exploded in his brain, and + his only thought was to get away, away from all the noisy, + chattering, hand-shaking people, to some quiet place, where he + could think.</p> + + <p>On the way back to the box in Bambi's train, he had been + separated from her a minute, long enough to spy the stage door, + to slip out and away. He headed uptown without design, walking, + walking, at a furious pace. Bambi, herself, was the Lady of + Mystery to whom he had offered his devotions. The thing which + hurt him was that she had tricked him into declaring himself, + probably laughed at his ardour. It made him rage to think of + it. What had been her object? He could not decipher her riddle + at all. If she wanted his love, she might have had it for the + taking, without all this play-acting nonsense. These was no use + in his ever expecting to understand her or her motives. He + might as well give it up and be done with it.</p> + + <p>He built up the whole story, bit by bit. Her mysterious + trips to town were in regard to the book, of course. The + "butter-'n'-eggs" money came from royalties. Strong had + published the story in his magazine: hence their intimacy. His + thought attacked this idea furiously, then he remembered + Bambi's words, "I love Richard Strong as my good friend, and in + no other way."</p> + + <p>There was no doubting the sincerity of that declaration. + Besides, Bambi never lied. She had not deceived him, then, with + any deliberate plan to alienate his affections so that she + could be free to go to Strong. No light along that line of + questioning.</p> + + <p>He went on, feeling his way, step by step, to the point of + the dramatization of the book. Here he paused long. Surely he + had not been her dupe here. He was Frohman's choice as + dramatist. But was he? She and Frohman had come to some + understanding, because she had gone to see him the day the play + was delivered. No, that could not be, for he found her at home + when he returned. He could not find a piece to fit into the + puzzle at this point. He went over their joint work on the + book—her book. He understood, now, how she was so sure of + every move, why she knew her characters so well. What a blind + fool he had been not to see that Francesca was herself! How she + had played with him about that, too. How she drew him out about + the other characters. He stopped in his tracks as the last blow + fell. The musician was intended for a study of him—that + hazy, impossible dreamer, with his half-baked, egotistical + theories of his own divine importance. Why, in God's name, had + she married him if that was her opinion of him? His brain beat + it over and over, to the click of his heels on the + pavement.</p> + + <p>The fiddler was the Professor, of course. Any one but a + blind man would have seen it. So she had made mock of them, the + two men nearest to her, for all the world to laugh at! That she + wanted to punish him for not coming up to her expectations, + that he could understand, but why had she betrayed the + Professor whom she loved?</p> + + <p>He reviewed the period of rehearsals—her sure touch + revealed again. She knew every move. She even saw herself so + clearly that she could correct the actress in a false move. She + had held herself up for public inspection, too. He had to admit + that. It seemed so shameless to him, so lacking in reserve.</p> + + <p>He urged his mind on to the night now passing, the night he + had looked forward to, for so many months, as the first white + stone along the road to success. Well, it had been a success, + but none of his. Bambi's—all Bambi's. She had conceived + the book, worked out the play, and rehearsed it, to a + triumphant issue. It was all hers! The only part he could claim + was that Frohman had sent for him. But had he? Was it possible + he had only humoured Bambi in her desire to give him a chance? + He would find out the truth about that, and if it were so, he + could never forgive her.</p> + + <p>He saw her coming toward him in reply to the calls for + "Author!" her eyes fixed on him, shining and expectant! What + had she wanted him to do? Was it possible she expected him to + be pleased?</p> + + <p>Broad daylight found him far up toward the Bronx, weary, + footsore, and hungry. When he came to himself he realized that + he must send some word to the club of his whereabouts. He wrote + a message to Bambi:</p> + + <blockquote> + <hr class="letter"> + + <p class="quote">"I shall not come back to-day. I cannot. + You have hurt me very deeply.</p> + + <p class="closing">"JARVIS."</p> + <hr class="letter"> + </blockquote> + + <p>He put a special delivery stamp on it and mailed it. He + found some breakfast, and went into the Bronx Park, where he + sat down under the bare trees to face himself.</p> + + <p>In the meantime Bambi, after a sleepless night, was up + betimes. At breakfast she protested that she was not at all + worried. Jarvis had no doubt decided to celebrate the success + in the usual masculine way. He would come home later, with a + headache.</p> + + <p>"But Jarvis isn't a drinking man, is he?" the Professor + inquired.</p> + + <p>"No, but it's the way men always celebrate, isn't it?"</p> + + <p>The Professor wanted the whole story of the writing of the + book, the prize winning, Mr. Frohman's order, and all, so, + after breakfast, she made a clean breast of it, and they + laughed over it for a couple of hours. Then Jarvis's message + came. Her face quivered as she read it.</p> + + <p>"What is it, dear? Is it Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>She nodded, the slow tears falling.</p> + + <p>"He isn't hurt?"</p> + + <p>"Not physically hurt, but I've hurt his feelings. Oh, Daddy, + I've made such a mess of it. I wanted to be dazzled by my + success, because he thinks I'm a helpless sort of thing, and + now he only hates me for it."</p> + + <p>She broke down and wept bitterly. The Professor, distressed + and helpless, took her into his arms and petted her.</p> + + <p>"There, there, Baby, it will work out all right. Just let us + go home, where we're used to things, and everything will look + different."</p> + + <p>"Yes, that's it, we'll all go home," sobbed Bambi, wiping + her eyes.</p> + + <p>"Where is Jarvis?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know. But I can leave word for him here that we've + gone back home."</p> + + <p>"Then we can get the two o'clock train. Nothing but misery + comes to people in these cities."</p> + + <p>By dint of much hurry they caught the train, Ardelia + protesting up to the moment when the train started that they + couldn't possibly make it. Bambi sat, chin on hand, all the + way, a sad, pale-faced figure. No one could suspect, to see her + now, that she had been the brilliant flame-thing of the night + before. Once the Professor patted her hand and she tried to + smile at him, but it wasn't much of a success.</p> + + <p>When they entered the house, and Ardelia bustled about to + get them some tea, Bambi sat dejectedly, with all her things + on, among the travelling-bags.</p> + + <p>"Be of good courage, little daughter," her father said.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Father Professor, are the fruits of success always so + bitter—so bitter?" she cried to him.</p> + <hr class="chapter"> + + <h2>XXX</h2> + + <p>The first week of the play went by, and it was an assured + success. The royalty for the first seven days was a surprise, + which would have thrown Bambi into raptures under ordinary + circumstances. But the Bambi of these days and rapture were no + longer playmates.</p> + + <p>There had been no word from Jarvis since that time of the + first brief message. Bambi went about the house a thin, + white-faced, little ghost, with never a song or a smile.</p> + + <p>"Fo' Gawd, Perfessor, it makes me cry to look at Miss Bambi, + an' I don' dare ask her what's de mattah."</p> + + <p>"I think we must just let her alone, Ardelia. She'll work + this thing out for herself." But he, too, was alarmed at the + change in her.</p> + + <p>The more she thought of how she had thrown away Jarvis's + love, the more she lacerated herself with reproaches. Her fatal + love of play-acting had brought her sorrow this time. How could + she have done it? Why didn't she see that Jarvis would never + understand what made her do it, that he would resent it.</p> + + <p>Some days she was in a fury at him for not understanding + her. Other days she wanted him so that she could scarcely + refrain from taking a train to New York and looking for him. In + her sane moments she knew that the only thing she could do now + was to wait.</p> + + <p>Richard Strong came down to dine and spend the night, and + one thing he said added to her misery.</p> + + <p>"Jarvis stayed in town, didn't he?" he remarked.</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Looking after things there, I suppose? I passed him on the + street yesterday, but he didn't see me."</p> + + <p>"You passed him yesterday?" breathlessly.</p> + + <p>"Yes. The opening and the strain of the rehearsal knocked + him out, didn't it? He looked as gaunt as a monk."</p> + + <p>"Jarvis takes things very seriously."</p> + + <p>"By the way, how did he take your joke?"</p> + + <p>She looked directly at him and answered frankly: "He didn't + think it was funny at all."</p> + + <p>"Oh, that's a pity."</p> + + <p>"I'm through with jokes, Richard, through with them for all + time," she said, her lips quivering.</p> + + <p>"Oh, no—try one on me, I'd like it," he laughed to + cover her emotion, and changed the subject quickly.</p> + + <p>When he returned to town he called up the Frohman offices, + asking for Jarvis's address. He was still at the National Arts + Club, they assured him. So that evening he presented himself + there unannounced. He found Jarvis alone in the reading-room, a + book open before sightless eyes. He rose to greet Strong, with + evident reluctance.</p> + + <p>"I'm glad to find you, Jocelyn. I have something particular + to say to you."</p> + + <p>"So? Sit down, won't you?"</p> + + <p>"I've just come back from Sunnyside, where I spent the + night. I wanted to settle the details of your wife's next + serial."</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Have you seen her since the opening night?"</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"I think she is either very ill, or very unhappy, possibly + both. She seems such a frail little thing that one dreads any + extra demands on her. I knew you stayed on to look after the + business here, of course.... You know the dear, blind, old + Professor. Naturally you are the person to look after her, and + I thought it would be just like her not to say a word to you + about it all, so here I am, playing tame cat, carrying tales. + Go down to-night, Jocelyn, and take that girl away + somewhere."</p> + + <p>"They think she's ill?" Jarvis repeated.</p> + + <p>"She looks it to me. If she were my wife, I'd be + alarmed."</p> + + <p>He rose as he finished, and Jarvis rose, too. They looked + each other in the eyes.</p> + + <p>"Thank you!" said Jarvis.</p> + + <p>He suddenly realized, without words of any kind, that this + man suffered as he did, because he, too, loved Bambi. He was + big enough to come to her husband with news of her need. By a + common impulse their hands met in a warm handclasp.</p> + + <p>"She needs you, Jocelyn," Strong said.</p> + + <p>"You're a good friend, Strong," Jarvis answered.</p> + + <p>When he had gone, Jarvis hurried to his room and began to + pack his bag. His heart beat like a trip-hammer with + excitement. He was going to Bambi! She needed him. He had + endured a week of the third degree, practised upon himself. He + had peered into every nook and corner of his own soul. He knew + himself for a blind, selfish egotist. He was ready now to fling + his winter garments of repentance into the fires of spring. He + understood himself, though Bambi baffled him more than ever. + Never mind. She needed him. Strong said so—and he was + going to her.</p> + + <p>He was at the station an hour before the train left, pacing + up and down the platform like an angry lion. Aboard the + sleeper, and on the way, he tossed and turned in his berth in + wakefulness. At dawn he was up and dressed, to sit in a fever + of impatience while the landscape slowly slid by the car + window.</p> + + <p>At Sunnyside he hurried along the deserted street, where + only the milkman wound his weary way in the early morning. + There was a hint of spring in the air, fresh and exhilarating, + with a faint earth smell.</p> + + <p>The house lay, with closed blinds, still asleep. He let + himself in with his latch-key, dropped his bag, hat, and coat + in the hall, and rushed upstairs to Bambi's rooms. No + hesitation now. He would storm the citadel in truth. He opened + her bedroom door softly and peered in. It was unknown country + to him. The bed was empty. He entered and walked swiftly to the + door beyond, where he heard a faint crackling, as of a fire + burning. At the door he paused.</p> + + <p>She was crouched before a fire, cross-legged, her face + cupped on her hands. In her pink robe and cap she looked more + like a child than ever. She half turned her head, as if feeling + his presence, so he saw how pale she was, how black the circles + round her eyes.</p> + + <p>"My little love!" he cried to her. "My little love!"</p> + + <p>She sprang to her feet, facing him; her hands went swiftly + to her heart, as if a spasm shook her. As Jarvis came toward + her, a great light in his face, she put her hands out to fend + him off.</p> + + <p>"I want you to know that I realize just how silly and cheap + and theatrical I've been. I didn't mean to hurt you," she began + in a monotone, as if it tired her too much to speak. He tried + to stop her, but she shook her head.</p> + + <p>"I have to say it all now. I cared so much when you came + home that time, and after the first night I thought you didn't + care for me."</p> + + <p>"My best beloved, let me——"</p> + + <p>"No, no—please. I was piqued and angry and I thought I + could punish you by pretending to be the other woman you + thought you were writing to. I wanted to make you care for her, + and then——"</p> + + <p>"It was you I cared for—you, you, you!"</p> + + <p>"I thought that, when you knew I was both of us, you'd be so + glad——" She broke off into a sob.</p> + + <p>"I am, dearest, I am."</p> + + <p>"I never meant to hurt you. This week has nearly killed + me."</p> + + <p>He took her into his arms, and sat in the big chair, holding + her close, while she clung to him and sobbed out her heart. He + kissed her hair, her wet eyes, and her lips, saying over and + over, "Oh, littlest, I love you so, I love you so!" When the + sobs ceased, he lifted her face to his.</p> + + <p>"I want to see the shine in your eyes, dearest, and then I + want you to listen to me."</p> + + <p>She drew his head down to her and kissed him.</p> + + <p>"The shine will come back now, beloved. Oh, Big"—she + said with a sigh—"my old Jarvis."</p> + + <p>"No, your new Jarvis, little wife. The old, crazy Jarvis + will be more to your liking. I may not understand you very well + yet, but I know my need of you my pride in + you——"</p> + + <p>"And my need of you?"</p> + + <p>"And your need of me. We're in step, now, honey + girl—and we'll march along together without any more + misunderstandings, won't we?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, we will, if you'll take short steps, so I can keep + up."</p> + + <p>"I'm the one to do the running now, Miss Mite. A famous + novelist and a successful playwright!" he laughed, pinching her + cheek.</p> + + <p>"None of it counts. The only title that means anything to me + is Mrs. Jarvis Jocelyn."</p> + + <p>His comment on that was inaudible.</p> + + <p>"Would you mind telling me just why you married me?"</p> + + <p>"Because I was a seeress, and foresaw this day."</p> + + <p>More comment, inaudible. The door opened, cautiously, the + Professor tiptoed in, followed by Ardelia, with a tray. At the + sight of the two before him, engrossed in the inaudible + comments, he stepped back into Ardelia and rattled the contents + of the tray. Jarvis looked up and caught his astonished + expression. He rose with Bambi in his arms.</p> + + <p>"Good-morning, Father. I'm home," he said.</p> + + <p>"Thank de good Lawd!" from Ardelia.</p> + + <p>"It's Jarvis," said Bambi, fatuously, patting his cheek.</p> + + <p>"I suspected that it was when I saw him," the Professor + admitted. "I'm glad that you're back, and I hope you'll stay. + This child needs a firmer hand than mine."</p> + + <p>"You're speaking of a woman with a well-advanced career, + Herr Professor Parkhurst!"</p> + + <p>"Ardelia, we are not needed. She is well. A dose of Jarvis + Jocelyn was the correct prescription."</p> + + <p>"Well, thank Gawd fo' some sho' nuff lovin' at las' " said + Ardelia, as she backed out behind the Professor, and closed the + door.</p><br> + + <center> + THE END + </center><br> + +<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BAMBI ***</div> +<div style='text-align:left'> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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