"No, thank you—I've just had a bite."
"Why did Mr. Brockton run away?" demanded Elfie, unable to restrain her feminine curiosity. His sudden departure was unusual enough to suggest a lover's quarrel.
"He had to catch a train—important business in Boston," replied Laura carelessly. Impulsively she burst out: "Oh, Elfie—what do you think? I got that stock engagement after all. I'm perfectly daffy about it. I play leads in 'Camille,' 'Mrs. Dane's Defense,' and such plays as that."
"Where is it?" demanded Elfie.
"In Denver. Don't you remember? I told you I was after it?"
"Denver? Why that's where Mr. Madison comes from."
Both girls turned and looked at the big Westerner. Laura regarded him with more attention. If this man was from Denver, he might be useful to her. She was not the kind to neglect anything that was likely to promote her interests. Looking him well over, she noted his big, muscular frame, his steel-gray eyes, and determined, prognathous jaw. It was a type of manhood that was new to her. He was decidedly worth cultivating.
"You live in Denver?" she said, trying on him the effect of her dimpled smile, which was irresistible to most men.
He nodded carelessly.
"Yes—I'm with one of the newspapers there."