"A fine actor, as every one acknowledges. He will make his mark." "There are few signs of it at present. Just now he is acting in this new play at the Frivolity Theatre. A secondary part!" "He has the leading comedy part," said Laura angrily. "Julia, why will you annoy me?" "My dear, I don't. It's your own bad temper. You never will face the truth. However, I have placed matters before you, so you can take time and decide your future course." "I won't go abroad with you, Julia. We should only quarrel." "Oh dear me, no! I never quarrel. People--you included--are too weak to quarrel with. However, it's decided you won't come?" "Yes. I shall live with the Baldwins." "I wish you joy! But recollect, if you marry this actor, I refuse to come to the wedding." "You had better wait till you are asked," said Laura rather weakly, and left the room, fearful what she might say next. The last words she heard from Julia were an admonition to keep her temper. At first Laura intended to go to her own room, but hearing voices in the White Room she peered in. To her surprise, she saw Arnold seated with Walter Fane. When they saw her, Arnold rose quickly and came forward. "My dearest, how glad I am you have come!" "Why didn't you send for me?" said Laura, as he kissed her. "I asked him not to," interposed Walter uneasily. "Julia was with you, and she would have come also. I don't feel well enough for Julia's preaching at present," he said, passing his hand across his brow; "this murder has upset me." "Have you heard about it, Arnold?" asked Laura, looking at her lover in a searching manner. "Yes," he replied calmly, and evidently prepared for the question. "And I should have come before to see you, but that you told me not to." "You haven't been here for a long time," said Walter wearily. "Not since you left for the seaside. But I saw Laura at the Baldwins' a week ago. Laura, you are not going?" Miss Mason, who had changed colour while her lover was speaking, and had not taken her eyes from his face, was by this time half-way to the door. "I must go," she said rapidly. "I have something to do. I shall see you again." "When?" asked Calvert, detaining her at the door. "I shall write and let you know," said Laura, and abruptly withdrawing her hand from his, she escaped. Arnold returned to his seat near Fane with a puzzled expression. "What is the matter?" he asked, and there was an apprehensive look in his eyes. Fane also looked nervous, but that was scarcely to be wondered at, considering the late events. "I suppose Julia has been going on at her about you," he said fretfully. "I wish you'd marry her right away and take her from Julia. Poor Laura has a bad time." "I am not in a position to do so now," said Calvert gloomily; "things are bad with me. This play has not been a success, and I'll be out of an engagement soon." "Laura has money for you both," said Fane. Arnold flushed to the roots of his fair hair.