“ Mr. Jadwin!” she exclaimed. “Why, we didn’t have five minutes’ talk. Why, I hardly know the man. I only met him last night.”

But Mrs. Cressler shook her head, closing her eyes and putting her lips together.

“That don’t make any difference, Laura. Trust me to tell when a man is taken with a girl. My dear, you can have him as easy as that.” She snapped her fingers.

“Oh, I’m sure you’re mistaken, Mrs. Cressler.”

“Not in the least. I’ve known Curtis Jadwin now for fifteen years⁠—nobody better. He’s as old a family friend as Charlie and I have. I know him like a book. And I tell you the man is in love with you.”