Presently the outer door slammed loudly, and Brockton re-entered the room, holding a telegram in his hand.
"A wire," he said briefly.
Laura started forward.
"For me?" she exclaimed.
"Yes."
She looked surprised.
"From whom, I wonder? Perhaps Elfie, with a luncheon engagement."
"I don't know," he said indifferently, handing her the closed yellow envelope.
As she broke it open and hastily read the contents, he watched her face closely. She gasped involuntarily as she caught sight of the signature, but by a great effort managed to control herself. Outwardly calm and self-possessed, she silently read the message, which was dated Buffalo, the night before, and ran as follows:
"My Own Darling: