She was gone from the house over two hours, for she had elected to walk all the way home. She came back flushed and buoyant from her exercise, her cheeks cool with the Lake breeze, a young maple leaf in one of the revers of her coat. Annie let her in, murmuring:

“A gentleman called just after you went out. I told him you were not at home, but he said he would wait. He is in the library now.”

“Who is he? Did he give his name?” demanded Laura.

The maid handed her Curtis Jadwin’s card.