This was the
attitude in which Rowland had first seen her, and he thought, now that
he had seen her in several others, it was not the least becoming.
CHAPTER X. The Cavaliere
There befell at last a couple of days during which Rowland was unable
to go to the hotel. Late in the evening of the second one Roderick came
into his room. In a few moments he announced that he had finished the
bust of his mother.
"And it 's magnificent!" he declared. "It 's one of the best things I
have done."
"I believe it," said Rowland. "Never again talk to me about your
inspiration being dead."
"Why not? This may be its last kick! I feel very tired. But it 's a
masterpiece, though I do say it. They tell us we owe so much to our
parents. Well, I 've paid the filial debt handsomely!" He walked up and
down the room a few moments, with the purpose of his visit evidently
still undischarged. "There 's one thing more I want to say," he
presently resumed. "I feel as if I ought to tell you!" He stopped before
Rowland with his head high and his brilliant glance unclouded. "Your
invention is a failure!"
"My invention?" Rowland repeated.
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