changes from one brother to another are somewhat
disconcerting, you know.''

Billy bit her lip. For a moment she said nothing,
then, a little constrainedly, she rejoined:

``Perhaps. Still--let us hope we have the
right one, now.''

Mrs. Hartwell raised her eyebrows.

``Well, my dear, I'm not so confident of that.
_My_ choice has been and always will be--William.''

Billy bit her lip again. This time her brown
eyes flashed a little.

``Is that so? But you see, after all, _you_ aren't
making the--the choice.'' Billy spoke lightly,
gayly; and she ended with a bright little laugh, as
if to hide any intended impertinence.

It was Mrs. Hartwell's turn to bite her lip--
and she did it.

``So it seems,'' she rejoined frigidly, after the
briefest of pauses.

It was not until they were on their way to
Corey Hill some time later that Mrs. Hartwell