"Yes, it's good to have a man interested in teaching you what to do for your own good," Lucy replied, a shade too earnestly, Vida thought.
Shortly thereafter Lucy brought Wickham to Hector's and introduced him with pathetic eagerness. The description of him had been apt except for belligerent grey eyes and a vain tight mouth. He leaned casually on a walking stick, keeping a distance as if to avoid fraternization with a shopgirl.
The exchange was strained and Vida thought best to put an end to it. "Please excuse me, we're very rushed, I have to take a look at an order for Norma Shearer before it is sent."
The incident apparently had disturbed Lucy for she returned the next morning apologetic and close to tears.
"You see," she explained anxiously, "Hugh didn't realize you are my best friend that I always talk about until he heard your name. He is very particular about the people he knows and wants me only to have his friends, because he says they are real. He has very high standards. I don't want to marry him until I am sure, but I do want our relationship to last because he is good for me. He disciplines me, and it really is very good to be told what to do and not to have to think for myself. I may not be able to see you much now but I think if I obey him he will reward me with more freedom. Just now he doesn't even want me to dance, so I don't know yet how to fill my time after the apartment is cleaned."
"Haven't you a maid?"
"No. You see, Hugh doesn't think I should have one yet. He thinks it is a kind of purification to keep one's own house clean."
"He sounds to me like a disciple of Pergov," said Vida, nodding recognition of Hector's signal indicating a waiting important client.
"Yes. He admires Pergov very much. He says Pergov understands better than anyone what women want. But I mustn't keep you—I'll try and see you soon."
"What's the matter with Claudel," Hector asked Vida later, "aren't things going well? One doesn't see her around any more. She seems out of it."
"She's fine," Vida said. "She's only been back from Palm Beach a few days and she caught a germ of some kind there."
"I'm glad to hear that's all it is," Hector said, but she did not think him convinced. Those who catered to individuals in the public eye were quick to sense ups and downs; Hector, especially, was uncanny in that regard.
