She seemed to see clearly that he had not as yet realized himself, that Aileen was not just the woman for him, though she might be one.

She talked of her own husband after a time in a tolerant way--his foibles, defects, weaknesses.

She was not unsympathetic, he thought, just weary of a state that was not properly balanced either in love, ability, or insight.

Cowperwood had suggested that she could take a larger studio for herself and Harold--do away with the petty economies that had hampered her and him--and explain it all on the grounds of a larger generosity on the part of her family.

At first she objected; but Cowperwood was tactful and finally brought it about.