"I know," she smiled sadly, "but somehow I feel that this time the real thing has come and with it the real man. I can't tell you, Will, how much different it is, but everything I felt before seemed so sort of earthy--and somehow the love that I have for this man is so different. For the first time in my life it's made me want to be truthful and sincere and humble. The only other thing I ever had that I cared the least bit about, now that I look back, was your friendship." Impulsively throwing her arms around him, she added: "We have been good pals, haven't we?" He smiled as he fondled her. "Yes; it's been a mighty good two years for me. I was always proud to take you around, because I think you are one of the prettiest things in New York." Playfully, her good spirits once more in the ascendant, she jumped into the armchair with a little girlish laugh. He went on: "You're always jolly and you never complained. You spent a lot of money, but it was a pleasure to see you spend it, and what's more, you never offended me. Most women offend men by coming around looking untidy and sort of unkempt, but somehow you always knew the value of your beauty and you always dressed up. I always thought that maybe some day the fellow would come along, grab you, and make you happy in a nice way, but I thought that he'd have to have a lot of money. You know, you've lived a rather extravagant life for five years, Laura. It won't be an easy job to come down to cases and suffer for the little dainty necessities you've been used to." She sat leaning forward, her chin resting on her hands, a serious, far-away expression on her face. Slowly she said: "I've thought all about that, and I think I understand." "You know how it is," he went on. "If you were working without anybody's help, you might have a hard time getting an engagement. As an actress, you're only fair." Laura toyed impatiently with her parasol. "You needn't remind me of that," she said testily. "That part of my life is my own. I don't want you to start now and make it harder for me to do the right thing. It isn't fair; it isn't square, and it isn't right. You've got to let me go my own way." Putting her hand on the broker's shoulder, she went on: "I'm sorry to leave you, Will, in a way, but I want you to know that if I go with John it changes the spelling of the word 'comradeship' into 'love,' and the word 'mistress' into 'wife.' Now, please don't talk any more." "Just a word," he interrupted. "Is it absolutely settled?" "I told you I didn't know exactly what our plans are," she answered impatiently. "I shall know to-day--that's what I'm waiting for. I can't understand why he doesn't come." The broker, whose gaze had been idly sweeping the canon, suddenly sat up and pointed up the pass. "Is that the fellow, coming up here?" he exclaimed. Laura rose quickly from her seat, and, running to the balustrade, peered over. "Where?" she asked.