rd as to need no denial. We have
had not one second of sentiment between us. He has never been in my room
at Mrs. Biggs's since I married you. As for the room, I keep it as a
place to go to work, to think, to be by myself. I pay for it myself; it
is my office, if you like--my studio. If this information is a trifle
disappointing, Jerry, after the fine melodrama you seem to have worked
up, I'm afraid it's your own fault," she said, smiling, and walked out
of the room.

CHAPTER XXV

It seemed to Jane that this frank, entirely truthful explanation settled
the matter of the tenement room once for all. But alas! Jerry did not
look at events with the simple directness which characterized Jane. He
believed that she spoke the truth, as far as she knew it. But it was
outside the laws of human possibilities to Jerry that a man and woman
could have such obviously intimate relationship without sex attraction
as its cause and excuse. The whole thing smouldered in his mind.

He began to wonder whether Jane had felt jealousy when he had spent so
much of his time with Althea Morton, before the baby came. He could not
recall the least sign she had ever made of distress or protest. He
determined to find out if she could be made jealous. It was his only
weapon, so far as he could see. After much consideration, he asked
Althea to sit for him, as model for a picture. She accepted with
avidity, and the time was set in the afternoons, when Jane was about.
Jerry saw to that.

"I've just got an order for a picture from the New Age Club," he
remarked at luncheon, breaking a long silence.

"Oh, Jerry, now nice; I'm delighted."

"It's to go over the fireplace in the living-room."

"Good. I'm so glad; it's a big step forward, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's a good thing."

"Have you decided on the subject?"

"Yes--sort of enchanted Maeterlinck forest with Melisande coming through
the trees."

"Charming. Did you choose it?"

"No, the committee decided on it. I shall begin at once."

"Who will you have for Melisande?"

"Althea Morton."

"Of course; she will be fine. But will she pose?"

"She will," he replied with what he hoped was a mysterious smile. It was
a trifle annoying to have her so pleased with the arrangement. "I'd be
obliged if you would occasionally show yourself while she is here," he
added.

"I will, if I'm at home. There's no disguising the fact, however, Jerry,
that my absence causes no acute pain to Miss Morton.