adieus, and went off with his suit-case to the hotel
where, as he had informed Aunt Hannah, his room
was already engaged.

William went home then, and Aunt Hannah
went up-stairs. Cyril and Marie withdrew into
a still more secluded corner to look at their plans,
and Bertram found himself at last alone with
Billy. He forgot, then, in the blissful hour he
spent with her before the open fire, how he hated
music; though he did say, just before he went
home that night:

``Billy, how long does it take--to learn to
sing?''

``Why, I don't know, I'm sure,'' replied Billy,
abstractedly; then, with sudden fervor: ``Oh,
Bertram, hasn't Mr. Mary Jane a beautiful
voice?''

Bertram wished then he had not asked the
question; but all he said was:

`` `Mr. Mary Jane,' indeed! What an absurd
name!''

``But doesn't he sing beautifully?''

``Eh? Oh, yes, he sings all right,'' said