w 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."

"Why--Bertram!"

"Yes, I know. I've no business to say that, of course," sighed the man;
"but, Billy, that's why I came out--because I must speak to you this
once. Won't you come and sit down, please?" he implored despairingly.

"Why, Bertram," murmured Billy again, faintly, as she turned toward the
vine-shaded corner and sat down. Her eyes were startled. A swift color
had come to her cheeks.

"Billy," began the man, in a sternly controlled voice, "please let me
speak this once, and don't try to stop me. You may think, for a moment,
that it's disloyal to William if you listen; but it isn't. There's this
much due to me--that you let me speak now. Billy, I can't stand it.
I've tried, but it's no use. I've got to go away, and it's right that I
should. I'm not the only one that thinks so, either. Marie does, too."

"MARIE!"

"Yes. I talked it all over with her. She's known for a long time how
it's been with me; how I cared--for you."

"Marie! You've told Marie that?" gasped Billy.

"Yes. Surely you don't mind Marie's knowing," went on Bertram,
dejectedly. "And she's been so good to me, and tried to--help me."

Bertram was not looking at Billy now. If he had been he would have seen
the incredulous joy come into her face. His eyes were moodily fix