of-course air that was unmistakable--and to Bertram,
adorable. Bertram's eyes, as they rested
on Billy, were even fonder than were his
brother's.

``I don't think any one is--_worrying_,'' he
said with quiet emphasis.

Billy smiled.

``I should think they might be,'' she answered.
``Only think how dreadfully upsetting I was in
the first place!''

William's beaming face grew a little stern.

``Nobody knew it but Kate--and she didn't
_know_ it; she only imagined it,'' he said tersely.

Billy shook her head.

``I'm not so sure,'' she demurred. ``As I look
back at it now, I think I can discern a few
evidences myself--that I was upsetting. I was a
bother to Bertram in his painting, I am sure.''

``You were an inspiration,'' corrected Bertram.
``Think of the posing you did for me.''

A swift something like a shadow crossed Billy's