WILL at this moment particularly reads some part of the paper, turns to her with a keen glance of suspicion and inquiry, and then for a very short moment evidently settles in his mind a cross-examination.  He has read in this paper a despatch from Chicago, which speaks of JOHN MADISON having arrived there as a representative of a big Western mining syndicate which is going to open large operations in the Nevada gold-fields, and representing MR. MADISON as being on his way to New York with sufficient capital to enlist more, and showing him to be now a man of means.  The attitude of LAURA and the coincidence of the despatch bring back to WILL the scene in Denver, and later in New York, and with that subtle intuition of the man of the world he connects the two.

WILL.  I don’t suppose, Laura, that you’d be interested now in knowing anything about that young fellow out in Colorado?  What was his name—­Madison?

LAURA.  Do you know anything?

WILL.  No, nothing particularly.  I’ve been rather curious to know how he came out.  He was a pretty fresh young man and did an awful lot of talking.  I wonder how he’s doing and how he’s getting along.  I don’t suppose by any chance you have ever heard from him?

LAURA.  No, no; I’ve never heard. [Crosses to bureau.

WILL.  I presume he never replied to that letter you wrote?

LAURA.  No.

WILL.  It would be rather queer, eh, if this young fellow should [Looks at paper.] happen to come across a lot of money—­not that I think he ever could, but it would be funny, wouldn’t it?

LAURA.  Yes, yes; it would be unexpected.  I hope he does.  It might make him happy.

WILL.  Think he might take a trip East and see you act.  You know you’ve got quite a part now.

LAURA. [Impatiently.] I wish you wouldn’t discuss this.  Why do you mention it now? [Crossing to right of table.] Is it because you were drinking last night and lost your sense of delicacy?  You once had some consideration for me.  What I’ve done I’ve done.  I’m giving you all that I can.  Please, please, don’t hurt me any more than you can help.  That’s all I ask.

[Crossing up to mirror.  Crosses back to right of table; sits.

WILL.  Well, I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean that, Laura.  I guess I am feeling a little bad to-day.  Really, I don’t want to hurt your feelings, my dear.

He gets up, goes to her, puts his hands on her shoulders, and his cheek close to the back of her head.  She bends forward and shudders a little bit.  It is very easy to see that the life she is leading is becoming intolerable to her.

WILL.  You know, dearie, I do a lot for you because you’ve always been on the level with me.  I’m sorry I hurt you, but there was too much wine last night and I’m all upset.  Forgive me.