Madison, who had listened without interfering, now rose and stepped forward. Fixing the broker with a cold stare, he said:
"You could hardly expect Miss Murdock to be friendly with you—under the circumstances." Assisting Laura to put a scarf across her shoulders, he added: "You could hardly expect me to sanction any such friendship."
Brockton gave a careless nod. Patronizingly he said:
"I think I understand your position, young man, and I agree with you perfectly, that is—if your plans turn out successful."
"Thank you," said Madison stiffly.
Going up to the broker, Laura held out her hand. With a smile she said:
"Then everything is settled, just the way it ought to be—frankly and above board?"
Brockton took her hand, and held it in his for a minute. With a visible effort to conceal his feelings, he said:
"Why, I guess so. If I was perfectly confident that this new arrangement was going to result happily for you both, I think it would be great, only I'm somewhat doubtful, for when people become serious and then fail, I know how hard these things hit, having been hit once myself."
Madison looked at him as if trying to gauge his full meaning. Then quietly he said: