Kane nodded ponderously. He was thinking that the man in the plaid tie was a squirt. He was also thinking that he might do. He and his wife. He said:
"I understand how you feel. I know just how you feel. I imagine you're an artist of some sort?"
The other nodded.
"My name's Kelzin," he said, rather archly. "I'm a critic. I write. I dissect. I analyse. I am a student of life and art, and so, in a lesser degree, if I may say so, is my wife...."
The woman looked at Kane and smiled. She took a step towards them.
Kane said: "My name's Singleton. I make motor cars in normal times... now I'm interested in tanks. But I've an intense admiration for artists. I think people like you and your wife are the salt of the earth. Art is really the only thing that matters..."
Mrs. Kelzin looked at her
