finally came to the conclusion--privately expressed to Bertram--that Mr.
Cyril was bashful. Bertram had only laughed. He had laughed the harder
because at that moment he could hear Cyril pounding out his angry
annoyance on the piano upstairs--Cyril had just escaped from one of
Billy's most determined "attempts," and Bertram knew it. Bertram's laugh
had puzzled Billy--and it had not quite pleased her. Hence to-day she
did not tell him of her plan to go up-stairs and see what she could do
herself, alone, to combat this "foolish bashfulness" on the part of Mr.
Cyril Henshaw.

In spite of her bravery, Billy waited quite one whole minute at the top
of the stairs before she had the courage to knock at Cyril's door.

The door was opened at once.

"Why--Billy!" cried the man in surprise.

"Yes, it's Billy. I--I came up to--to get acquainted," she smiled
winningly.

"Why, er--you are very kind. Will you--come in?"

"Thank you; yes. You see, I didn't bring Spunk. I--remembered."

Cyril bowed gravely.

"You are very kind--again," he said.

Billy fidgeted in her chair. To her mind she was not "getting on" at
all. She determined on a bold stroke.