dealers' bids. "That's the prize offer, boy," said Leighton. "Take it."

They went back to London together. Leighton helped Lewis search for a
studio. They examined many places, pleasant and unpleasant. Finally
Lewis settled on a great, bare, loft-like room within a few minutes'
walk of the flat. "This will do," he said.

"Why?" asked Leighton.

"Space," said Lewis. "Le Brux taught me that. One must have space to see
big."

While they were still busy fitting up the atelier a note came to Lewis
from Lady Derl. She told him to come and see her at once, to bring all
his clippings on the "Startled Woman," and a photograph that would do
the lady more justice than had the newspaper prints.

When Lewis entered Lady Derl's room of light, it seemed to him that he
had not been away from London for a day. The room was unchanged. Lady
Derl was unchanged. She did not rise. She held out her hand, and Lewis
raised her fingers to his lips.

"How well you do it, Lew!" she said. "Sit down."

He sat down and showed her a photograph of his work. She looked at it
long. For an instant her worldliness dropped from her. She glanced
shrewdly at Lewis's face. He met her eyes frankly. Then she tossed the
picture aside.

"You are a nice boy," she said lightly. "I think I'll give a little