Laura gave him a quick look. In a significant tone of voice, she said:
"You don't really think that?"
The man shook his head dubiously.
"No, maybe not. Ever since I married the missis and the first kid come we figured the only good money was the kind folks worked for and earned. But when you can't get hold of that, it's tough."
The girl nodded, and, averting her head, looked out of the window.
"I know," she said simply.
The agent was in a loquacious mood this afternoon, and needed little encouragement to do all the talking. He went on:
"Burgess don't seem to be losing sleep over the tricks he turned. He's happy and prosperous, but I guess he ain't any better now than he ought to be."
"I guess he isn't," rejoined Laura quickly. "I know I've been trying to induce him to give me an engagement, but for some reason I get no satisfaction. There are half a dozen parts in his new attractions that I could do. He has never said absolutely 'no'; but, somehow, he's never said 'yes'."
"That's odd," said her visitor, scratching his head, as if puzzled. "He spoke about you to-day."