Still other half hours--for she doted on symbolism--Mrs. Vanderhook would spend with one who advertised as "The World's Most Famous Seer," from whom she purchased expensive Charms and Sacred Bugs and things.
Again she would slip into the "Temple" of one whose Circulars "guaranteed" information concerning the Origin of Everything and its "Absorption into Nothing."
Inspiring moments she would steal for the study of Vivilore and in these brief snatches she would "Contemplate the Path of Perfection," or, breaking away from the downtown luncheon, she would rush for the Masonic Temple, where an American-East Indian was imparting Fourteen lessons in Philosophy in a few minutes.
With Saturday for Shopping and the Matinee, and Sunday for home and Bill, the mistress of the Mansard Roof led the life of the up-to-date New Woman.
Thus, as time went on, the erstwhile Typewriter became thoroughly "Advanced," and the "Yards" became a far off memory.
Like other students of the "Ultimates," Mrs. Vanderhook found that her "Attainments" did not mix well with every-day commonplaces. Her husband's absorption in the drug store, and his fondness for a "Game," seemed quite to unfit him for Higher Thought.
Indeed, at times Imogene seriously doubted Bill's understanding of the Unknowable.
Bill was not watching for the subtle changes taking place in his Imogene. But one phase of it seemed to reach his obtunded consciousness, for this made a direct inroad upon his bank account.
The Special Course in "OPTIMISM AND OPULENCE"--for which "Ten Lessons at reduced prices" had captured Mrs. Vanderhook as a special bargain--produced direct results for which even the generous druggist was not prepared.
From the first "All-is-good" to the middle "Opulence-is-MINE" and to the final lesson, "I-AM-IT," Imogene Vanderhook absorbed and radiated this beautiful Attitude of "I-am-entitled-to-everything-I-can-get."
Matters of expense were airily dismissed. Bill's "We-can't-afford-it" was met by that splendidly wide Optimistic Smile and ignored with that expensively broad sense of Universal Opulence which is so perfectly fascinating in those who do not pay the bills.
The beautiful feeling that "I can tap the Universal for all I need" and that "I have only to affirm OPULENCE and have it," encouraged the Mayor's wife to extend her Charge Accounts with a childlike faith in the "Higher Currents of Wealth."