“Do you want me to read to you now?” she asked.

“Just this is pretty good, it seems to me.”

As he spoke, there came a step in the hall and a knock.

Laura sat up, frowning.

“I told them I was not to be disturbed,” she exclaimed under her breath. Then, “Come in,” she called.

“ Mr. Gretry, sir,” announced the servant. “Said he wished to see you at once, sir.”

“Tell him,” cried Laura, turning quickly to Jadwin, “tell him you’re not at home⁠—that you can’t see him.”

“I’ve got to see him,” answered Jadwin, sitting up. “He wouldn’t come here himself unless it was for something important.”