"Two years."
"And then only for a few minutes just before she sailed," amended
Bertram. "We haven't really seen much of her since three years ago."
"Hm-m; well, you'll see for yourself soon. You know she's coming home
next month."
Not one of the brothers did know it--but not one of them intended that
Calderwell should find out that they did not.
"Yes, she's coming home," said William, lifting his chin a little.
"Oh, yes, next month," added Bertram, nonchalantly.
Even Cyril across the room was not to be outdone.
"Yes. Miss Neilson comes home next month," he said.
CHAPTER XXI
BILLY, THE REALITY
Very early in May came the cheery letter from Billy herself announcing
the news of her intended return.
"And I shall be so glad to see you all," she wrote in closing. "It seems
so long since I left America." Then she signed her name with "kindest
regards to all"--Billy did not send "love to all" any more.
William at once began to make plans for his namesake's comfort.
"But, Will, she didn't say she was coming here," Bertram reminded him.
"She didn't need to," smiled William, confidently. "She just took it for
granted, of course. This is her home."
"But it hasn't been--for years. She's called Hampden Falls 'home.'"
"I know, but that was before," demurred William, his eyes a little
anxious.
Pages:
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117