smiled.

"Then I'll come back and marry you!" he said laughingly.

It was said lightly, but like many words uttered in jest, it sounded as
if there might be some truth back of it. Both grew silent and the
subject was quickly changed.

While mortified at her discomfiture, Laura thought more of the big
fellow for his attitude of utter indifference. She had been so pampered
and courted all her life that it was a novelty to find that she made
absolutely no impression on this one man. Her respect for him grew in
consequence. Gradually, he, too, seemed to take more pleasure in her
society. He called more frequently and became more friendly. He was
still on his guard, as if he still distrusted her--or perhaps
himself--but he did not avoid her any longer.

The theatre naturally took up most of her time. When not acting, she
was rehearsing new roles. It was interesting work, and she felt it was
valuable experience. Madison declared she had improved wonderfully,
and, in his enthusiasm, wrote eulogistic articles about her in the
papers that were copied far and wide. Indeed, she could thank him for
all the success she had had. He was at the theatre every night,
watching her from the front, taking the liveliest interest in her
success, and promoting it in every possible way. A critic who ventured
to find fault he threatened to horsewhip; he put her portrait in the
papers and printed interesting stories concerning her that had only his
imagination for foundation. He transacted business for her with the
local manager, and acted in her behalf in all the necessary
negotiations with the Church Bazaar committees.

Before very long they were the best of friends. Laura found him not
only useful, but a delightful companion. What time could be spent from
rehearsals, she spent with him. In the familiar, intimate, theatrical
style, they already called each other by their first names. They went
out horseback riding together, and he took her for long automobile
trips, showing her many of the wonderful places with which Colorado
abounds. They played golf at Broadmoor, and fished black-spotted trout
in South Platte river. They drank health-giving waters at Great Spirit
Springs, and viewed the reconstructed ruins of the prehistoric
cliff-dwellers at Manitou. They traveled on the cog railroad to the
dizzy summit of Pike's Peak, and visited the busy gold-mining camp at
Cripple Creek. Here Madison was on familiar ground. He showed his
companion