"Very sure, little girl; and it's the first time it has been right for
weeks. Billy, that was very dear of you, and I love you for it; but
think how near--how perilously near you came to lifelong misery!"
"But I thought--you wanted me--so much," she smiled shyly.
"And I did, and I do--for a daughter. You don't doubt that NOW?"
"No, oh, no," laughed Billy, softly; and to her face came a happy look
of relief as she finished: "And I'll be so glad to be--the daughter!"
For some minutes after the man had gone, Billy stood by the steps where
he had left her. She was still there when Bertram came to the veranda
door and spoke to her.
"Billy, I saw William go by the window, so I knew you were alone. May I
speak to you?"
The girl turned with a start.
"Why, of course! What is it?--but I thought you were playing. Where is
Marie?"
"The game is finished; besides--Billy, why are you always asking
me lately where Marie is, as if I were her keeper, or she mine?" he
demanded, with a touch of nervous irritation.
"Why, nothing, Bertram," smiled Billy, a little wearily; "only that you
were playing together a few minutes ago, and I wondered where she had
gone."
"'A few minutes ago'!" echoed Bertram with sudden bitterness. "Evidently
the time passed swiftly with you, Billy. William was out here MORE than
an hour.
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