Things moved rapidly as they usually do in the maelstrom of speculation. Though Mr. Allen was a trained athlete in business, the strain upon him grew greater day by day. But true to his promise, and in accordance with his habit of promptness, he transferred the deed for the little place in the country to Edith, who gloated over its dry technicalities as if they were full of romantic hope and suggestion to her. One day when alone with Laura, Mr. Allen asked her suddenly: "Has Mr. Goulden made any formal proposal yet?" With rising color Laura answered: "No." "Why not? He seems very slow about it." "I hardly know how you expect me to reply to such a question," said Laura, a little haughtily. "Is he as attentive as ever?" "Yes, I suppose so, though he has not called quite so often of late." "Humph!" ejaculated Mr. Allen meditatively, adding after a moment, "Can't you make him speak out?" "You certainly don't mean me to propose to him?" asked Laura, reddening. "No, no, no!" said her father with some irritation, "but any clever woman can make a man who has gone as far as Mr. Goulden commit himself whenever she chooses. Your mother would have had the thing settled long ago, or else would have enjoyed the pleasure of refusing him." "I am not mistress of that kind of finesse," said Laura coldly. "You are a woman," replied her father coolly, "and don't need any lessons. It would be well for us both if you would exert your native power in this case." Laura glanced keenly at her father and asked quickly: "What do you mean?" "Just what I say. A word to the wise is sufficient." Having thus indicated to his daughter that phase of Wall Street tactics and principles that could be developed on the avenue, he took himself off to the central point of operations. CHAPTER V THE STORM THREATENING Laura had a better motive than that suggested by her father for wishing to lead Mr. Goulden to commit himself, for as far as she could love any one beyond herself she loved him, and she also realized fully that he could continue to her all that her elegant and expensive tastes craved. Notwithstanding her show of maidenly pride and reserve, she was ready enough to do as she had been bidden. Mr. Allen guessed as much. Indeed, as was quite natural, his wife was the type of the average woman to his mind, only he believed that she was a little cleverer in these matters than the majority. The manner in which she had "hooked" him made a deep and lasting impression on his memory.