"Mr. Madison wants to talk to you, or rather I do, and I want him to listen."
The broker gave her one keen look. She did not have to explain what the talk was to be about. He understood instinctively. Instantly, his manner changed. The easy jocularity vanished. Once more he was the shrewd, hard, calculating business man. Coldly he said:
"Very well—what is it about?"
Descending the steps, he came down the terrace to where Laura and Madison were seated. The girl began:
"Say, Will——"
"Yes," he answered icily.
"I'm going home day after to-morrow, on the Overland Limited."
He nodded.
"I know."
Awkwardly and glancing nervously at Madison, as if to gain courage, she went on: