She rose, and, leaning over the back of Laura's chair, put her arms lovingly around her neck. Tenderly, she said: "Promise me, dearie, that you won't be a d——d fool. Will you promise?"
Laura looked up at her, and smiled faintly: "I promise."
Elfie took her gloves and parasol.
"Well, good-by, dear; I must be going. Ta-ta, dearie. Give my regards to your charmer."
Laura accompanied her to the door.
"Good-by, dear."
Left alone, Laura returned to the parlor. Drawing aside the portieres that shut off the maid's quarters, she called out:
"Annie!"
"Yassum!"
"I'm expecting a gentleman, Annie. When he comes, ask him in."