She shook her head.
"I've made up my mind. It's final," she said positively.
"If you want to work," he went on, "Burgess has a nice part for you. I'll telephone and arrange if you say so."
"Please do. Say I'll see him in the morning."
The broker rose and paced nervously up and down the room. So far so good, but he had not yet finished. There was still something unpleasant that must be attended to before all was settled, and now was the proper and only time to do it. Turning abruptly, he said:
"Laura, you remember when we were in Denver——"
Starting forward, the girl raised one hand entreatingly. For the moment her studied quiet was laid aside.
"Please, please don't speak of that!" she cried.
Brockton stood still, looking her squarely in the eyes. His manner was extremely serious and determined.
"I'm sorry," he said, "but I've got to." Slowly and deliberately he went on: "Last summer, in Denver, I told John Madison that if this time ever came—when you would return to me of your own free will—I'd have you write him the truth. Before we go any further, I'd like you to do that—now."