“Can I come in, J. ?” spoke the broker, from the hall. And even through the thick curtains they could hear how his voice rang with excitement and anxiety.

“Can I come in? I followed the servant right up, you see. I know⁠—”

“Yes, yes. Come in,” answered Jadwin. Laura, her face flushing, threw a fold of the couch cover over her costume as Gretry, his hat still on his head, stepped quickly into the room.

Jadwin met him halfway, and Laura from her place on the couch heard the rapidly spoken words between the general and his lieutenant.

“Now we’re in for it!” Gretry exclaimed.

“Yes⁠—well?” Jadwin’s voice was as incisive and quick as the fall of an axe.