it is true, and who even kissed back, shyly, adorably;
but a Billy who looked at him with wide,
almost frightened eyes.

``Why, darling, what's the matter?'' he
demanded, his own eyes growing wide and frightened.

``Bertram, it's--done!''

``What's done? What do you mean?''

``Our engagement. It's--announced. I wrote
stacks of notes to-day, and even now there are
some left for to-morrow. And then there's--the
newspapers. Bertram, right away, now, _everybody_
will know it.'' Her voice was tragic.

Bertram relaxed visibly. A tender light came
to his eyes.

``Well, didn't you expect everybody would
know it, my dear?''

``Y-yes; but--''

At her hesitation, the tender light changed
to a quick fear.

``Billy, you aren't--sorry?''