CHAPTER XXXIV 

Arthur remained at the gate while Ruth climbed Maria's front steps. She heard the rapid click of the type-writer, and when Martin let her in, found him on the last page of a manuscript. She had come to make certain whether or not he would be at their table for Thanksgiving dinner; but before she could broach the subject Martin plunged into the one with which he was full. 

"Here, let me read you this," he cried, separating the carbon copies and running the pages of manuscript into shape. "It's my latest, and different from anything I've done. It is so altogether different that I am almost afraid of it, and yet I've a sneaking idea it is good. You be judge. It's an Hawaiian story. I've called it 'Wiki-wiki.'" 

His face was bright with the creative glow, though she shivered in the cold room and had been struck by the coldness of his hands at greeting. She listened closely while he read, and though he from time to time had seen only disapprobation in her face, at the close he asked:- 

"Frankly, what do you think of it?" 

"I--I don't know," she, answered. "Will it--do you think it will sell?" 

"I'm afraid not," was the confession. "It's too strong for the magazines. But it's true, on my word it's true." 

"But why do you persist in writing such things when you know they won't sell?" she went on inexorably. "The reason for your writing is to make a living, isn't it?" 
What was Martin working on? What was it called? Does it take place in Tahiti? Where? How many similar stories had he written before? Does he think it's bad How sure is he? Who did he tell that to? Why was she there? Did he answer her? Did she ask? Did she come with anyone else? Who? Where did she leave him? Who does Martin live with? Does Ruth read his manuscript to herself? Who reads it? Does he ask her opinion after? Does she love it? Why does he believe it may not sell?
A manuscript Wiki-wiki No In Hawai'i None No He has a sneaking idea To Ruth To see whether he is coming for Thanksgiving No No Yes WIth Arthur At the gate Maria No Martin Yes No It's too strong for the magazines