As they entered the lobby, where Pavia instinctively took Jill's elbow to assist her at the few marble steps, she said, "Poor darling, have you had to put up with that for three days?"

"That and more! Pavia, don't be surprised if he drops dead before your first number. He's a dynamo, but too big for what he's supplying."

"Everything all right, if you'll excuse a foolish question?" "Perfect. And how did Dr. Kaegel impress you?"

"Jill, that man's a marvel. He has facts that will make Kinsey's look like copy book exercises. But everyone's afraid of him, so I promised "Oh, darling! How much this time?"

"I said five thousand. but if you " Pavia trailed off sheepishly. "Pavia, five thousand! You're so generous, and even though you're

Pavia closed the door of their suite behind them, tossed her coat on a chair and gently drew the girl to her.

"Forgiven?" she asked at last. She touched the delicate pulse beat beneath the light golden hair on the child-like temple. "Will there ever be a day when you won't blush when I do that." she murmured.

"I hope not," Jill sighed. "It's so good to have you back."

"Sweet." Pavia touched her earring. "Coral flowers on little shell ears. Coral suits your coloring, Jill; pearl, ivory, coral, gold. But aren't those the ones we saw in the shop in New York?"

Jill nodded. "I showed them to Jerry and he bought them. I couldn't resist taking them even though they're far too dear. They had a necklace too, each little flower was a perfection of carving and it was all worked into several strands of tiny seed pearls. But it was sold." She sounded heartbroken. She was such a child, Pavia thought with annoyance.

"Never mind, you're pretty enough without it. Any mail?”

"Pavia, you don't mind my taking presents from Jerry occasionally?” "Of course not. You're free to do as you please -

—

until you decide. You know that." Pavia's rich voice had grown ominously flat as she took off her hat and fluffed her short dark hair in the mirror. "Any mail?”

Jill picked up a stack of letters and two unopened notes that had been delivered by hand. "Do you know a Mrs. Leah Brake," Jill asked.

"Why yes, she's -" Pavia stopped short, feeling herself flush.

"the girl who had you expelled from college," Jill finished for her. "The one I remind you of so much. The notes are from her. She has called three times, wanting you have cocktails and dinner with her tonight just the two of you out at her home. She said she's a widow now."

"I know," Pavia put the mail down unexamined. "I think I'll shower." "Pavia, Jerry's calling from New York tonight for a definite answer." "Have you made up your mind?”

"I think so."

"When will you know?"

"I don't quite know. It's rather up to you, isn't it?”

Pavia took a cigarette from her bag and lighted it. "Nothing is up to me. That decision is yours. I've explained why." She started out. "Call Mrs. Brake and tell her to pick me up here at five."

"I ... I've found a girl here in town who can take my place," Jill said quietly. "She's a good secretary, a wonderful girl. I knew her sister."

"I'll interview her tomorrow." And Pavia left the room.