“I am very glad of that, Miss Laura.”

“My father went out for half an hour, as the servant probably told you. He bade me keep you till his return.”

“Thank you; I shall be very glad to stay.”

“I met a friend of yours on Fifth Avenue yesterday, Gilbert.”

“Who was it?”

“Randolph Briggs.”

Gilbert smiled.

“I don’t know how far he is my friend,” he said; “though he told me this evening he was, and as a friend he ventured to give me some advice.”

“Indeed?” said Laura, looking the curiosity she felt.

“Would you like to hear what it was?”