``Billy, I cannot have you do all this for me.''

``Why not?''

At the unexpectedly direct question, Marie
fell back a little.

``Why, because I--I can't,'' she stammered.
``I can't get them for myself, and--and--''

``Don't you love me?''

A pink flush stole to Marie's face.

``Indeed I do, dearly.''

``Don't I love you?''

The flush deepened.

``I--I hope so.''

``Then why won't you let me do what I want
to, and be happy in it? Money, just money,
isn't any good unless you can exchange it for
something you want. And just now I want pink roses
and ice cream and lace flounces for you. Marie,''
--Billy's voice trembled a little--``I never had a
sister till I had you, and I have had such a good