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.'"

"Delightfully you," he corrected her. "Has the Professor or your husband
read any of your stories?"

"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."

"I don't see why you don't 'fess' up, now that the thing is an
established success."

"No, not yet. It's such a lovely secret. I want to wait for just the
moment to spring it on them."

"Couldn't you invite me in when that moment comes?"

"We'll see. I may invite the neighbours in, and crown myself with a
laurel wreath."

"I'd rely on your doing it in a novel way."

"The surest way of being considered eccentric is just to be yourself. So
few of us have the nerve."

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.

After Strong's departure Bambi wrote Jarvis to prepare him for the
friendly visit:

"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.

"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.

"BAMBI."

"P.S. Will you come home after the contract is signed?"

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.