I prefer to consider that you fetched
it from Olympus."
And Mary, whose practical conscience had given her sharp twinges over her
extravagance, was glad to let it rest at that.
During the morning a great sheaf of roses came for Mary with the card of
James Farraday, and on its heels a bush of white heather inscribed to
them both from McEwan. The postman contributed several cards, and a tiny
string of pink coral from Miss Mason. "How kind every one is!" Mary cried
happily.
In the afternoon the Corrianis were summoned. Mary had small presents for
them and a glass of wine, which Stefan poured to the accompaniment of a
song in his best Italian. This melted the somewhat sulky Corriani to
smiles, and his wife to tears. The day closed with dinner at their
beloved French hotel, and a bottle of Burgundy shared with Stefan's
favorite waiters.
XI
During Christmas week Stefan worked hard at his interior, but about the
fifth day began to show signs of restlessness. The following morning,
after only half an hour's painting, he threw down his brush.
"It's no use, Mary," he announced, "I don't think I shall ever be able to
do this kind of work; it simply doesn't inspire me."
She looked up from her sewing. "Why, I thought it promised charmingly.
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