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At last she smiled and said: "Oh, yes. "
He could hardly believe it. "Really?"
She laughed happily. "Really. "
He took her hand. "Do you love me?"
She nodded.
"You have to say it. "
"Yes, Gus, I love you. "
He kissed her hand. "I'll speak to your father before I go to Washington. "
She smiled. "I think I know what he will say. "
"After that we can tell everyone. "
"Yes. "
"Thank you," he said fervently. "You have made me very happy. "
{VII}
Gus called at Josef Vyalov's office in the morning and formally asked permission to propose to his daughter. Vyalov pronounced himself delighted. Although that was the answer Gus expected, he found himself weak with relief afterward.
Gus was on his way to the station to catch a train to Washington, so they agreed to celebrate as soon as he could get back. Meanwhile, Gus was happy to leave it to Olga's mother and his to plan the wedding.
Entering Central Station on Exchange Street with a spring in his step, he ran into Rosa Hellman coming out, wearing a red hat, carrying a small overnight bag. "Hello," he said. "May I help you with your luggage?"
"No, thanks, it's light," she said. "I was only away one night. I went for an interview with one of the wire services. "
He raised his eyebrows. "For a job as a reporter?"
"Yes-and I got it. "
"Congratulations! Forgive me if I sound surprised-I didn't think they employed women writers. "
"It's unusual, but not unknown. The New York Times hired its first female reporter in 1869. Her name was Maria Morgan. "
"What will you be doing?"
"I'll be the assistant to their Washington correspondent. The truth is, the president's love life has made them think they need a woman there. Men are liable to miss romantic stories. "
Gus wondered if she had mentioned that she was friendly with one of Wilson's closest aides. He guessed she had: reporters were never coy. No doubt it had helped her get the job. "I'm on my way back," he said. "I guess we'll see each other there. "
"I hope so. "
"I have some good news, too," he said happily. "I proposed to Olga Vyalov-and she accepted me. We're getting married. "
She gave him a long look, then she said: "You fool. "
He could not have been more shocked if she had slapped him. He stared at her openmouthed.
"You goddamn fool," she said, and she walked away.
{VIII}
