Athalie

"And Doris has met other men of the same kind--I don't know

who they are, for she won't tell me. But after the theatre

she goes out with them; and it is doing her no good.

"There is only one more item in my confession, then I'm done.

"It is this: I have heard recently from various sources that

my being seen with you so frequently is causing much gossip

concerning you among your friends.

"Is this true? And if it is, will it damage you? I don't care

about myself. I know very few people and it doesn't matter.

Besides I care enough about our companionship to continue it,

whatever untruths are said or thought about me. But how about

you, Clive? Because I also care enough for you to give you

up if my being seen with you is going to disgrace you.

"This is my confession. I have told you all. Now, could you

tell me what it is best for us to do?

"Think clearly; act wisely; don't even dream of sacrificing

yourself with your usual generosity--if it is indeed to be a

case for self-sacrifice. Let me do that by giving you up. I

shall do it anyway if ever I am convinced that my

companionship is hurting your reputation.

"Be just to us both by being frank with me. Your decision

shall be my law.

"This is a long, long letter. I can't seem to let it go to

you--as though when I mail it I am snapping one more bond

that still seems to hold us together.

"My daily life is agreeable if a trifle monotonous. I have

been out two or three times, once to see the Morgan

Collection at the Metropolitan Museum--very dazzling and

wonderful. What strange thoughts it evoked in me--thrilling,

delightful, exhilarating--as though inspiring me to some

blind effort or other. Isn't it ridiculous?--as though I

had it in me to do anything or be anybody! I'm merely telling

you how all that exquisite art affected me--me--a working

girl. And Oh, Clive! I don't think anything ever gave me as

much pleasure as did the paintings by the French masters,

Lancret, Drouais, and Fragonard! (You see I had a catalogue!) "Another evening I went out with Catharine. Mr. Reeve asked

us, and another man. We went to see 'Once Upon a Time' at the

Half-Moon Theatre, and afterward we went to supper at the

Cafe Columbine.

"Another evening the other man, Mr. Reeve's friend, a Mr.

Hargrave, asked me to see 'Under the Sun' at the Zig-Zag

Theatre. It was a tiresome show. We went to supper afterward

to meet Catharine and Mr. Reeve.