In the grate, the fire that had been lighted just before they had
come upstairs was crackling sharply. Laura drew up an armchair and
sat down in front of it, her chin in her hand. Mrs. Cressler
stretched herself upon the bed, an arm behind her head.

"Well, Laura," she began at length, "I have some real news for you.
My dear, I believe you've made a conquest."

"I!" murmured Laura, looking around. She feigned a surprise, though
she guessed at once that Mrs. Cressler had Corthell in mind.

"That Mr. Jadwin--the one you met at the opera."

Genuinely taken aback, Laura sat upright and stared wide-eyed.

"Mr. Jadwin!" she exclaimed. "Why, we didn't have five minutes'
talk. Why, I hardly know the man. I only met him last night."

But Mrs. Cressler shook her head, closing her eyes and putting her
lips together.

"That don't make any difference, Laura. Trust me to tell when a man
is taken with a girl. My dear, you can have him as easy as that."
She snapped her fingers.

"Oh, I'm sure you're mistaken, Mrs. Cressler."

"Not in the least. I've known Curtis Jadwin now for fifteen
years--nobody better. He's as old a family friend as Charlie and I