CHAPTER X.THE GREAT SECRET.
And so Laura McIntyre became duly engaged to Raffles Haw, and old McIntyre grew even more hungry-looking as he felt himself a step nearer to the source of wealth, while Robert thought less of work than ever, and never gave as much as a thought to the great canvas which still stood, dust-covered, upon his easel.

Haw gave Laura an engagement ring of old gold, with a great blazing diamond bulging out of it.

There was little talk about the matter, however, for it was Haw's wish that all should be done very quietly.

Nearly all his evenings were spent at Elmdene, where he and Laura would build up the most colossal schemes of philanthropy for the future.

With a map stretched out on the table in front of them, these two young people would, as it were, hover over the world, planning, devising, and improving.
"Bless the girl!" said old McIntyre to his son; "she speaks about it as if she were born to millions.