Arnold went to his room. If he could only recall the name of the town near which Laura lived! But American names had no significance. In Germany each town had a history. The small places were famous because they were near larger ones. And even in the smallest some drop of blood had been shed that had given it a name, or had made its name noted.
She had gone; and why had she gone without telling him?
If he could only have heard Mrs. Ashton's talk the evening before with her husband, he need not have asked the question.
"Do you know, dear, I think we had better leave New York directly,—tomorrow?"
Mr. Ashton looked inquiries.
"I don't like this intimacy with a foreigner. He really has been very devoted to Laura."
"And, pray, what is the harm?" asked Mr. Ashton.
"How can you ask? A foreigner, and we know nothing about him," answered Mrs. Ashton.
"But that he is the richest man in New York, quiet, inexpensive in his ways."
"If we were sure of all that! But I don't think her father would like it. I had a dream last night of Red Riding-Hood and the Wolf, and I haven't thought all day of anybody but Laura. We can get off early to-morrow. I have sent Laura to pack her things now."