"I know why you had to ask that question. I'm glad you did. You were
misjudging Lew. But you can be sure of one thing: no one but us three
ever saw that statue; I know now that no one but just Lew and myself
were ever meant to see it. He didn't want to model me that way. When I
asked for it, he hesitated, then suddenly he gave in." She paused for a
moment, then she added, "I believe it's part of a man's job to know when
to trample on women."




CHAPTER XXXIII


It was night at the flat. There was just chill enough in the air to
justify a cozy little fire. Through the open windows came the low hum of
London, subdued by walls and distance to the pitch of a friendly
accompaniment to talk. In two great leathern chairs, half facing each
other, Vi and Leighton sat down, the fire between them.

They had been silent for a long time. Vi had been twisting her fingers,
staring at them. Her lips were half open and mobile. She was even
flushed. Suddenly she locked her hands and leaned forward.

"Grapes," she said without a drawl, "I have seen myself. It is terrible.
Nothing is left."

Leighton rose and stepped into his den. He came back slowly with two
pictures in his hands.