The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-08-25

sccnd BIZ Of steep. twisting road.
Tho "chug chug' Of the motor grew
fainter.
billy said Miss Huston, "ycu have
changed"
"Yes,p said Billy.
"Iiaye you found that nice girl /
predicted Cor your"
Billy flushed
"Yes.n bio said.
A sudden scnsc Of desolation enysI
opcd Miss Huston. She drew her
wraps moro closely about her It|
seemed az II without warning the
clouds had swept across the smiling
landscape and blotted out the warm
spring sunshine, Billy! She had a.
ways folt sure Of Billy. Then In o
hnsh she understood.
TELL me about her" she demanded.
leaning back In her seat and regarding
him with amused, tolerant eyes.
No Billy was trying 10 make her
jealous.
She bad read a story like u once
about man who told the girl who
had refused 10 marry him an imagi.
nary tale on hin engagement 10 anoth
cr girl. whcrcupon girl No. 1 had
burst into tears and promptly thrown
herself into the mans arms. Well,
Billy would hnd that she would NOT
throw herself into bis arms. she
would play ~ 10 him. Afterward--
well. Ahe might relcnt aftcrward. She
had cofac 10 regard Billy differently
during the past six months.
"i3illy"-her voice was reproachfui-
"arent You go,sg 10 tell me about
hcrf'
II would II knew how" said Billy.
''Is she prettyT'
"shes beautiful"
Light or darkT
Billy turned q radiant face to his
companion. "IIer hair IA dark an dark
~ yours"
Miss Huston smiled tolerantly. He
was too honest, too transparent, TO play
80 delicate game.
She opened her eyes on him under
her heavy motor veil. "Of course you
love her very dearly" she said lightly.
TO her chagrin a hot flush dyed her
face from brow 10 chin.
Billy drew tense breath.
love her! | cannot talk about Il.
It's Ike saying my prayers" he said
rcyerently.
Miss Huston leaned back In her seat.
Why had she never realized before
how lovable Billy wasf
They sat In silence, their thoughts
keeping time TO the monstrous beat Of
the motor na the ear swung smoothly
along the hard road. Billy spoke tirst
"she viii bc at Mrs. Montelth's." he
said half shyly.
OF course she would. IL the motor
continued 10 tear along at lts present
rate and they didn't land In heap at
the foot OF one of the steep bills. she
would be there In about half an hour.
Dear. clumsy Billyi She had half
mind TO tell him that she understood.
Ills next move was more skillful.
"rm mighty grateful to you for put
ting mo on the right track" he went
on reniniscently. IF II hadn't been
for you G.eat Scott" he broke OF.
what fool used to make Of my
self! don't wonder you had no use
for me-"
That he should refer to the past 10
lightly plqued her. He needed TO be
taken down little.
"Why bother about the past when
you are sure OF the presentr she
flashed back.
why. indccdy" Billy was his cheer
ful. smiling self again.
"only was no end OF fool ana
I've always felt that wanted to apol-
ogize TO you for ranting around as |
did. Though II was real enough to me
lat least thought so thca--and was
terribly cut Zip when you threw me
over.' he went on cheerfully, "and for
a good while .astsrward. too"
"And thenT
"0h. then neither" 3;ily's voice
was very gentle. He turned impul-
slvely toward his companion. when
you see her" no said radiantly, "you
will understand"
A shadow crossed Miss Huston's
face. OF course the whole. thing was
only a ruse OF Billy's. but for a begin.
ner his part was remarkably we'll
played.
There was little jolt as Billy less
ened speed; then the car swung
smoothly into a wide shaded drive
way leading 70 rambling old stone
house. A laughing, chattering crowd
filed the wide porch--tea tables were
being set In the old fashioned garden.
hut as Mrs. MOnteIth gathered her In a