Laura made no answer, but smiled rather indefinitely, as she continued to search the pages of the book, her head to one side.

Jadwin continued:

“We’ll call it a bargain. Some day⁠—before very long, mind you⁠—you are going to kiss me⁠—that way, understand, of your own accord, when I’m not thinking of it; and I’ll get that conservatory in for you. I’ll manage it somehow. I’ll start those fellows at it tomorrow⁠—twenty of ’em if it’s necessary. How about it? Is it a bargain? Some day before long. What do you say?”

Laura hesitated, singularly embarrassed, unable to find the right words.

“Is it a bargain?” persisted Jadwin.

“Oh, if you put it that way,” she murmured, “I suppose so⁠—yes.”

“You won’t forget, because I shan’t speak about it again. Promise you won’t forget.”