Ever was somewhat passive at first, conscious of her behavior. By drawing her attention to items that interested him, Stroud was able to elicit candid opinions that reflected her tastes in clothing, jewelry and books. He was eager to learn her and view the world through her eyes.
They stopped at every store window and, when Ever demonstrated even a passing interest, Stroud encouraged her through the door to browse in more detail. In a shop specializing in designer lingerie, Stroud sat on a velvet cushioned chair while Ever explored the racks.
As she had at the exhibition, Ever inventoried everything, her cool objectivity revealing little of her true feelings. When she returned for a second look at a pair of yellow silk lounging pajamas, Stroud unobtrusively approached. “Do you like them
