"I have been through the shadow of the valley, but have won out. To-day I am rich. Isn't it glorious? I am the happiest man on earth. I shall be in New York before noon to-morrow. I am coming to marry you, and I'm coming with a bank-roll. I wanted to keep it secret, and have a big surprise for you, but I can't hold it any longer, because I feel just like a kid with a new top. Don't go out. I'll be with you early.
"John."
She crushed the telegram up in her hand, and crossed the room so he should not see her face. John was coming back—a rich man. He was coming back to claim her. Great God! What could she say to him?
"No bad news, I hope?" said Brockton suspiciously.
"No, no—not bad news," she replied hastily.
"I thought you appeared startled."
"No, not at all," she stammered.
Brockton sat down and picked up the newspaper again. Carelessly he asked:
"From Elfie?"
"No—just a friend."