"Oh dear me, no! I never quarrel. People--you included--are too weak to quarrel with. However, it's decided you won't come?"
"Yes. I shall live with the Baldwins."
"I wish you joy! But recollect, if you marry this actor, I refuse to come to the wedding."
"You had better wait till you are asked," said Laura rather weakly, and left the room, fearful what she might say next. The last words she heard from Julia were an admonition to keep her temper.
At first Laura intended to go to her own room, but hearing voices in the White Room she peered in. To her surprise, she saw Arnold seated with Walter Fane. When they saw her, Arnold rose quickly and came forward.
"My dearest, how glad I am you have come!"
"Why didn't you send for me?" said Laura, as he kissed her.
"I asked him not to," interposed Walter uneasily. "Julia was with you, and she would have come also. I don't feel well enough for Julia's preaching at present," he said, passing his hand across his brow; "this murder has upset me."
"Have you heard about it, Arnold?" asked Laura, looking at her lover in a searching manner.
"Yes," he replied calmly, and evidently prepared for the question. "And I should have come before to see you, but that you told me not to."