_] Maybe you've been almost
as prosperous as I have.
LAURA. You can get a lot of gilt and cushions in New York at half
price, and besides, I've got a pretty good part now.
JOHN. Of course I know that, but I didn't think it would make you
quite so comfortable. Great, ain't it?
LAURA. Yes.
JOHN. [_Standing beside her chair, with a smile._] Well, are you
ready?
LAURA. For what, dear? [_Looking up at him._
JOHN. You know what I said in the telegram?
LAURA. Yes. [_Leans her head affectionately on his shoulder._
JOHN. Well, I meant it.
LAURA. I know.
JOHN. I've got to get back [JOHN _looks around; crosses behind table
to chair right of table, and sits facing her across it._], Laura, just
as soon as ever I can. There's a lot of work to be done out in Nevada
and I stole away to come to New York. I want to take you back. Can you
go?
LAURA. Yes--when?
JOHN. This afternoon. We'll take the eighteen-hour train to Chicago,
late this afternoon, and connect at Chicago with the Overland, and
I'll soon have you in a home. [_Pause._] And here's another secret.
LAURA. What, dear?
JOHN. I've got that home all bought and furnished, and while you
couldn't call it a Fifth Avenue residence, still it has got something
on any other one in town.
LAURA. But, John, you've been so mysterious. In all your letters you
haven't told me a single, solitary thing about your good luck.
JOHN. I've planned to take you out and show you all that.
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