``Well, I flatter myself I did do some good,''
bridled Kate, as she turned to help little Kate
take the flower wreath from her head.

``Even if you did hurry into my room and scare
me into conniption fits telling me I'd be late,''
laughed Billy.

Kate tossed her head.

``Well, how was I to know that Aunt Hannah's
clock only meant half-past eleven when it struck
twelve?'' she retorted.

Everybody laughed.

``Oh, well, it was a pretty wedding,'' declared
William, with a long sigh.

``It'll do--for an understudy,'' said Bertram
softly, for Billy's ears alone.

Only the added color and the swift glance
showed that Billy heard, for when she spoke she
said:

``And didn't Cyril behave beautifully? 'Most
every time I looked at him he was talking to some
woman.''