engaged, apparently, in putting away some sketches.
Over by the doorway leading to the den Marie
and Aunt Hannah, followed by William and Cyril,
were just disappearing behind a huge easel.
In another minute the merry chatter of their
voices came from the room beyond. Bertram
hurried then straight across the studio to the
girl still bending over the sketch in the corner.

``Bertram!'' gasped Billy, as a kiss brushed
her cheek.

``Pooh! They're gone. Besides, what if they
did see? Billy, what was the matter with the
tilt of that chin?''

Billy gave an hysterical little laugh--at least,
Bertram tried to assure himself that it was a
laugh, though it had sounded almost like a sob.

``Bertram, if you say another word about--
about the tilt of that chin, I shall _scream!_'' she
panted.

``Why, Billy!''

With a nervous little movement Billy turned
and began to reverse the canvases nearest her.

``Come, sir,'' she commanded gayly. ``Billy