This, too, was clear to her, and though she considered his attitude the correct one, it jarred a little upon her. She was content that they should be merely comrades, or, at least, that was what she had endeavoured to convince herself, but, after all, there was no reason why he should emphasize the fact.
“Yes,” she replied quickly, “I think I understand.” Then once more she changed the subject. “I want to compliment you on building the dam.”
Nasmyth laughed, but there was a light in his eyes. “I should never have built it, if it hadn’t been for you. Still”––and he made her a reverent bow––“I owe you a good deal more than that.”
Laura made no response to this. She had thrilled at his achievement, when she had heard the manager’s speech, and it became still plainer that there was a certain hazard in dwelling upon his success. She could also be practical.
“In one way,” she said, “I suppose the result was not quite so satisfactory?”
“It certainly wasn’t. Of course, the work is not quite completed yet, but after settling up everything, the interim payment left me with about fifteen dollars in hand.”
Laura was not astonished at this, but she was more than a little perplexed, for she fancied that the lace she was wearing must have cost a good deal more than fifteen dollars. Still, she had no wish to make it evident that he had been extravagant; and, while she considered the matter, a man appeared in the doorway.
“I guess you two have got to come right out,” he said. “What d’you figure you were asked here for?”
Nasmyth held his arm out, but when Laura would 77 have laid her hand upon it, the man broke in with a grin.
“No, sir,” he said severely, “Miss Waynefleet’s going right round. Now you’re coming along with me, and we’ll show them how to waltz.”