e spot, so called because
the Ute Indians used it as a favorite trail across the mountains, and
commanding an unobstructed view of the beautiful valley below, it was a
conspicuous land-mark for miles. The house, unusually pretentious for a
country home, and built of reddish rough stone in the Greek style of
architecture, was two stories high, with a square turret on one side
and a low, broad roof overhanging a stone terrace. Massive stone
benches, also of Greek design, and strewn with cushions, were placed
here and there, while over the western terrace, shading it from the
afternoon sun, was suspended a canopy made from a Navajo blanket. The
well-kept grounds, with trailing vines around the balustrades, groups
of marble statuary, a fountain of a marble Venus gracefully splashing
water into a wide basin in which floated large, white lilies, privet
hedges, artistically clipped to represent all kinds of fantastic
figures, rattan lounging chairs, and tables with the leading papers and
magazines--all suggested a home of culture and wealth. So close was the
house to the edge of the declivity that at one end the terrace actually
overlooked the canon, a sheer drop of 2,000 feet, while across the
yawning chasm, one could see the rolling foothills and lofty heights of
the Rockies, with Pike's Peak in the distance, snow-capped and
colossal.

For more than a week Laura had been Mrs. Williams' guest. The rich
society woman had taken a great liking to the young actress, and would
not hear of her departure. An inveterate bridge player, she insisted on
Laura staying, if only to learn the game. So, partly because she was
unwilling to give offense, partly because she was comfortable and happy
there, and at the same time near the man she loved, she had consented
to remain a little longer. But only for a few days, she insisted.
Autumn was already at hand. There was no time to lose. She realized
that if she wanted to find a good engagement for the coming season she
must return to New York at once, for, from now on, there would be no
influence to aid her. To secure future engagements she must rely on her
own efforts alone.

She did not regret the step she had taken. On the contrary, for the
first time in her life, she felt perfectly happy and carefree. When,
the day following their excursion to the Garden of the Gods, he had
come to the hotel for her answer, there was very little said. Her eyes
spoke to him, and he understood.

"Very wel