“Very well,” said Laura, in answer to his question, “at ten we’ll be ready. Good night.” She held out her hand. But Jadwin put it quickly aside, and took her swiftly and strongly into his arms, and turning her face to his, kissed her cheek again and again.

Laura submitted, protesting:

“Curtis! Such foolishness. Oh, dear; can’t you love me without crumpling me so? Curtis! Please. You are so rough with me, dear.”

She pulled away from him, and looked up into his face, surprised to find it suddenly flushed; his eyes were flashing.

“My God,” he murmured, with a quick intake of breath, “my God, how I love you, my girl! Just the touch of your hand, the smell of your hair. Oh, sweetheart. It is wonderful! Wonderful!” Then abruptly he was master of himself again.

“Good night,” he said. “Good night. God bless you,” and with the words was gone.