ult and
unpleasant one, was to acquaint Will Brockton with her determination.
That the news would astonish him, was certain. She also thought that he
would be sorry. In his indifferent, selfish way, she believed that he
cared for her--perhaps more than for any of the other women he had
known. She knew him too well to believe that he would make a scene. He
was too much the gentleman and man of the world for that. He would
accept the situation philosophically. Besides, any opposition on his
part would be in direct violation of their agreement, that it was her
privilege to quit whensoever she might choose. She was considerably put
out at first when she received his telegram telling her that he was
coming to Denver to fetch her back, and her first impulse was to send a
wire to stop him. She thought she would prefer to wait and tell him in
New York. But, on consideration, she did nothing of the kind. Perhaps
it were better to have it over with at once. Why make a mystery of it?
There was nothing to conceal. The sooner every one knew it the better.

He had reached Denver that morning, and, finding she had already left
Colorado Springs, followed here there post haste. He arrived at Mr.
Williams' villa, _debonnair_ and immaculate, as usual, and in the
kindly paternal manner characteristic of him, he saluted Laura with a
chaste kiss.

"Why, kid, how well you look!" he exclaimed heartily.

Laura was looking her best that morning. She had not expected Brockton
so soon. Indeed, she had dressed to please John, who came to see her
every afternoon. Her gown, made of summery, filmy stuff, was simple,
girlish and attractive. Her hair, arranged in the simplest fashion, was
parted in the center. There was about her that sweetness and
girlishness of demeanor which had been her greatest asset through life.

Embarrassed, and temporarily at a loss how to account to her hostess
for the broker's presence and evident intimacy, the young girl
introduced him as--her uncle. It was not the first white fib she had
told in her life, and it was one of the least harmful. With ready tact,
she quickly added that Mr. Brockton was a skilful bridge player. This
was enough to insure his welcome. Mrs. Williams, impressed with the
visitor's talents and aristocratic appearance insisted on his staying
to dinner, which cordial invitation he politely accepted.
Diplomatically, he burst into extravagant raptures over the beauty of
the view.

"What a magnificent