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Monsieur Achille had every reason to feel pleased with himself. In general they went to dine at one of the better restaurants in Montparnasse, but now and then Suza
On her side Suza
I had come to know Suza
'Ah, mon cher monsieur, art and literature have always been the twin glories of France. Along with her military prowess, of course. And I, a manufacturer of woollen goods, have no hesitation in saying that I put the painter and the writer on a level with the general and the statesman.'
No one could say handsomer than that.
Suza
Monsieur Achille encouraged her. It gave him a sense of satisfaction that his mistress should be an artist. It was on his insistence that she sent a canvas to the autumn salon and they were both very proud when it was hung. He gave her one bit of good advice.
'Don't try to paint like a man, my dear,' he said. 'Paint like a woman. Don't aim to be strong; be satisfied to charm. And be honest. In business sharp practice sometimes succeeds, but in art honesty is not only the best but the only policy.'
At the time of which I write the co
'Evidently he doesn't thrill me,' said Suza
She was sympathetic and understanding and Monsieur Achille conceived a high opinion of her judgement. She lent a willing ear when he discussed with her his business and domestic affairs. She condoled with him when his daughter failed in an examination and rejoiced with him when his son got engaged to a girl with money. He had himself married the only child of a man in his own line of business and the amalgamation of two rival firms had been a source of profit to both parties. It was naturally a satisfaction to him that his son was sensible enough to see that the soundest basis of a happy marriage is community of financial interests. He confided to Suza
'And why not, with her fortune?' said Suza
Monsieur Achille made it possible for Suza
'She's going to be a beauty when she grows up,' Suza
Suza
A week or so after I had so unexpectedly run into Larry, Suza
'May I sit down?' he said. 'I haven't had any di
'Oh, but it's good to see you, mon petit,' she said, her eyes sparkling. 'Where have you sprung from? And why have you given no sign of life all these years? My God, how thin you are! For all I knew you might have been dead.'
'Well, I wasn't,' he answered, his eyes twinkling. 'How is Odette?'
That was the name of Suza
'Oh, she's growing a big girl. And pretty. She still remembers you.'
'You never told me you knew Larry,' I said to her.
'Why should I? I never knew you knew him. We're old friends.'
Larry ordered himself eggs and bacon. Suza
'I'm improving, don't you think? I don't pretend I'm a genius, but I have as much talent as many of the painters I've known.'