"I'd began to think that you'd forgotten to come," said Miss Drury, as DeGolyer entered the room. She was sitting at her desk, and hits of torn paper were scattered about her.
"I'm sorry that I kept you waiting so long," he replied. He did not sit down, but stood near her.
"Oh, it hasn't been so very long," she rejoined. "Why, how you have changed since yesterday," she added, looking at him.
"For the worse?" he asked.
"For the better; you look more like the heir to a great fortune."
He smiled. "I am an heir to freedom, and that is the greatest of fortune."
"Oh, now you are trying to mystify me again; and you said that to-day you would make everything clear."
"And I shall. Laura"—she looked up quickly—he repeated, "this is my last day in this office. I have sold the paper, and the new owner will take charge to-morrow."
"I'm sorry," she said, and then added: "But on my part that is selfishness. Of course you know what is best for yourself."
"I told you yesterday that my story would be completed to-day. It is, and I will tell it."