"Did he sell that property on Washington Street?" she inquired. "Oh," exclaimed her husband, "I'd forgot. I meant to tell you. No, he didn't sell it. But he did better. He wouldn't sell, and those department store people took a lease. Guess what they pay him. Three hundred thousand a year. 'J.' is getting richer all the time, and why he can't be satisfied with his own business instead of monkeying 'round La Salle Street is a mystery to me." But, as Mrs. Cressler was about to reply, Laura came to the open window of the parlour. "Oh, Mrs. Cressler," she called, "I don't seem to find your 'Idylls' after all. I thought they were in the little book-case." "Wait. I'll find them for you," exclaimed Mrs. Cressler. "Would you mind?" answered Laura, as Mrs. Cressler rose. Inside, the gas had not been lighted. The library was dark and cool, and when Mrs. Cressler had found the book for Laura the girl pleaded a headache as an excuse for remaining within. The two sat down by the raised sash of a window at the side of the house, that overlooked the "side yard," where the morning-glories and nasturtiums were in full bloom. "The house is cooler, isn't it?" observed Mrs. Cressler. Laura settled herself in her wicker chair, and with a gesture that of late had become habitual with her pushed her heavy coils of hair to one side and patted them softly to place. "It is getting warmer, I do believe," she said, rather listlessly. "I understand it is to be a very hot summer." Then she added, "I'm to be married in July, Mrs. Cressler." Mrs. Cressler gasped, and sitting bolt upright stared for one breathless instant at Laura's face, dimly visible in the darkness. Then, stupefied, she managed to vociferate: "What! Laura! Married? My darling girl!" "Yes," answered Laura calmly. "In July--or maybe sooner." "Why, I thought you had rejected Mr. Corthell. I thought that's why he went away." "Went away? He never went away. I mean it's not Mr. Corthell. It's Mr. Jadwin." "Thank God!" declared Mrs. Cressler fervently, and with the words kissed Laura on both cheeks. "My dear, dear child, you can't tell how glad I am. From the very first I've said you were made for one another. And I thought all the time that you'd told him you wouldn't have him." "I did," said Laura. Her manner was quiet. She seemed a little grave. "I told him I did not love him. Only last week I told him so." "Well, then, why did you promise?" "My goodness!" exclaimed Laura, with a show of animation. "You don't realize what it's been. Do you suppose you can say 'no' to that man?" "Of course not, of course not," declared Mrs. Cressler joyfully. "That's 'J.' all over. I might have known he'd have you if he set out to do it."