There was a long pause, then the man asked diffidently:
"And so you are very sure that--that you want me to--stay?"
"Indeed I do! Besides,--don't you remember?--there are all my people to
be entertained. They must be taken to places, and given motor rides
and picnics. You told me last week that you'd love to help me; but, of
course, if you don't want to--"
"But I do want to," cried Bertram, heartily, a gleam of the old
cheerfulness springing to his eyes. "I'm dying to!"
The girl looked up with quick distrust. For a moment she eyed him
with bent brows. To her mind he had gone back to his old airy, hopeful
light-heartedness. He was once more "only Bertram." She hesitated, then
said with stern decision:
"Bertram, you know I want you, and you must know that I'm delighted to
have you drop this silly notion of going away. But if this quick change
means that you are staying with any idea that--that _I_ shall change,
then--then you must go. But if you will stay as WILLIAM'S BROTHER
then--I'll be more than glad to have you."
"I'll stay--as William's brother," agreed Bertram; and Billy did not
notice the quick indrawing of his breath nor the close shutting of his
lips after the words were spoken.
CHAPTER XXXVIII
THE ENGAGEMENT OF TWO
By the middle of July the routine of Billy's days was well established.
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