``Aunt Hannah says you will--when you're
hungry. And Kate said--''

Bertram uttered a sharp word behind his teeth.

``Billy, for heaven's sake don't tell me what
Kate said, if you want me to stay sane, and not
attempt to fight somebody--broken arm, and
all. Kate _thinks_ she's kind, and I suppose she
means well; but--well, she's made trouble
enough between us already. I've got you now,
sweetheart. You're mine--all mine--'' his
voice shook, and dropped to a tender whisper--
`` `till death us do part.' ''

``Yes; `till death us do part,' '' breathed Billy.

And then, for a time, they fell silent.

`` `I, Bertram, take thee, Billy,' '' sang the
whirring wheels beneath them, to one.

`` `I, Billy, take thee, Bertram,' '' sang the
whirring wheels beneath them, to the other.
While straight ahead before them both, stretched
fair and beautiful in their eyes, the wondrous
path of life which they were to tread together.