"I understand it, in you, Jerry, but I seem to be entirely different."
So sensitive was Jerry to public opinion that by insensible degrees he drifted into an acceptance of Jane's new position. He deferred to her opinions, he even referred to her work.
"What are you busy with now, Jane?" he inquired.
"I'm working out an absorbing situation," she answered, and outlined it to him. He was interested and they discussed it for some time. "It's all I can do to tear myself away from my desk these days; I feel as if I just must have more time."
"No, not if we get you ready for a model at two. I can't seem to get off any earlier in the morning."
"Well, I have to do the ordering and get Baby bathed and off to sleep."
"No, she can't order, and I don't want her to bathe Baby."
"I might manage the ordering for a week or so, until you get the story along past the climax."
"Why not? I'm here all morning--might as well."
"You dear! That would give me a half-an-hour earlier start."
"Anybody who can get up in the morning, and go at her work the way you do, ought to have a free rein."
"Morning's my time, afternoon is yours; we're very well suited to each other in some ways, Jerry," she laughed.
"Where's Christiansen these days?" he asked.
"He's out of town--with his wife, I suspect."
"Yes, but Martin is one of the few who are big enough to suffer."
"So many people are so selfish and small-minded that they can only cry and protest against afflictions, but there are some who welcome the bitter with the sweet--who grow big and fruitful with sorrow. Martin is like that. I think him the biggest man I've ever known," she added simply.
The studio crowd arranged a party in the Chatfields' studio which Jinny called a "coronation" in Jane's honour. It was to be a surprise and they told Jerry the details and gave him orders about getting her there, with no suspicion of the real nature of the event.
"It's sweet of you, Jinny, but Jane won't like it," he said.
"Yes, she will! Every woman likes to be made much of. She made her other début in my house and I want her for this one. We're so proud of her, we don't know what to do, Jerry!" she answered feelingly.
"All right. I'll get her there at nine o'clock, but I've warned you!" he laughed.