"And that's why I spoke. I thought I'd
seen how things were, and on the drive I said so. Then is when I advised
you to speak to Billy; but you declared that Billy wasn't ready, and
that you couldn't make a girl marry against her will. NOW don't you
recollect it?"
A great light of understanding broke over William's face. He started
to speak, but something evidently stayed the words on his lips. With
controlled deliberation he turned and sat down. Then he said:
"Kate, will you kindly tell me just what you DID do?"
"Why, I didn't do so very much. I just tried to help, that's all. After
I talked with you, and advised you to ask Billy right away to marry you,
I went to her. I thought she cared for you already, anyway; but I just
wanted to tell her how very much it was to you, and so sort of pave the
way. And now comes the part that I started to tell you a little while
ago when you caught me up so sharply. I was going to say that when I
told Billy this, she appeared to be surprised, and almost frightened.
You see, she hadn't known you cared for her, after all, and so I had a
chance to help and make it plain to her how you did love her, so that
when you spoke everything would be all right. There, that's all. You see
I didn't do so very much."
"'So very much'!" groaned William, starting to his feet. "Great Scott!"
"Why, William, what do you mean? Where are you going?"
"I'm going--to--Billy," retorted William with slow distinctness.
Pages:
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228