we'll be off on our honeymoon this
afternoon. Can you do it?"

She went up to him, put her hands in his, and they confronted each
other.

"Yes, dear," she said. "I could do anything for you."

He took her in his arms and kissed her again. Looking at her fondly, he
said:

"That's good. Hurry now. I won't be long. Good-by."

"Hurry back, John."

"Yes. I won't be long."

The next instant the door banged behind him.

CHAPTER XIX.

For several minutes after John's departure, Laura stood motionless.
Every vestige of color had left her face; her large lustrous eyes
stared blankly into vacancy. She looked as if she had been suddenly
petrified into stone. Yet, inert as she seemed, her brain was working
hard. Perhaps all was not yet lost! John knew nothing, suspected
nothing. She might still be happy. Why should he know what had occurred
during his absence? There was no one to enlighten him. A life of
happiness with the one man she truly loved, might still be hers.
Instantly she was galvanized into action. There was no time to be lost.
She must get away from New York and be safely married before Brockton
or any one else had a chance to ruin her life. She must pack her things
at once, so as to be ready for John when he returned. Feverishly, she
began her preparations. Going rapidly over to the dresser, she picked
up a large jewel case, and, taking down a doll that was hanging on the
dresser, put them on her left arm. With her disengaged hand, she picked
up her black cat and carried it over to the center-table. Then, opening
the door leading to the kitchen, she called out:

"Annie! Annie! Come here."

The negress entered the room.

"Yassum."

"Annie, I'm going away, and I've got to hurry."

"Going away!" exclaimed the maid in blank astonishment.

Her mistress had already begun to pile things in the center of the
room. Hurriedly, Laura said:

"Yes--I want you to bring both my trunks out here--I'll help you--and
start to pack. We can't take everything, but bring all the clothes out,
and we'll hurry as fast as we can."

They entered the sleeping apartments together, and in a short time
reappeared, carrying a large trunk between them. Pushing the sofa back,
they laid it down in the center of the room.

"Look out for your feet, Miss Laura!" exclaimed the maid.

"I think I'll take two trunks," said her mistress thoughtfully.

[Illustration: LAURA COMMENCED TO PACK THE TRUNK.