The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1906-11-16

oh" said the man. He didn't 60,
he Just stood tapping mis- stick, tap
ping--tapping. Billy locked up i'm.
patiently.
II don't like baseball" he said in
the queer squeeky voice he some
times had, nor football. nor hockey.
| don't like any boys games. I'm
I'm a-sissy." He waited for the man
to go, but the fellow gave an odd lit
tie gasp and sat down beside him on
the stone. Billy's eyes widened in
surprise and his heart leaped. 1t was
rather nice to have the fellow not
go. Perhaps all men weren't alike.
AS man to man." said the chap
gravely, what are you doing here?
Perhaps l can help a Bit
Just thinking-making pictures.
There's a girl in there. l sing with
her in the choir"
"Oho," said the man, "in love-"
NO" said Billy, 81 just care for
her. 1t isn't love--I just--care."
Let's serenade herr" said the
man. Perhaps she'll come out II
she likes the music"
She did come out, before the song
was half done. Billy sat between her
and the man on the side steps eat
ing cherries and cookies, gathering
things for his dreams, and laying up
sunshine for the days that might hold
none His little heart was like to
burst with happiness.
Many days passed, after that, and
good times came for Billy. Every
Friday, when the man came to town
for the week end, he took Billy and
the girl off with him for good times
in the woods, or on the river, or rid
ing perhaps. He had a hoard of
tales, always, and could make ones
eyes glisten telling of elves, and
princesses and brave princes who
loved them. Inc weeks were spent
waiting in patient expectation while
the mar was in another state where
he lived. Only at the weeks end
would he come around.
One night they were out on the
lawn at her house. Billy had risen
to say goodnight, for it was getting
late and they would be expecting
him at home.
Wait" said the girl softly resting
her arm on his shoulder, wait, Billy,
and we'll walk to the gate with you"
They went on in silence, then, over
the grass to the iron gate, and the
carriage step beyond.
BILLY, DEAR" she said softly,
dropping on her knees in the grass,
and looking into his eyes, Billy, do
you like me?" The man was stand
ing behind her waiting eagerly for
the answer. Billy raised his thin ex-
pressive face to hers swiftly.
Il lote you" he said TREMENDOUSLY,
Il lovesyou," His large eyes were
his lips aquiver.
Billy" said the girl then, her
flushed, do you want me to
be happy? Would you like me to be
happy?"
Billy nodded. 1t was enough.
Billy" said the girl now, sit would
make me very happy to be married,
honey, to him-to our man. She
took the fellows hand at this, and
raised her great brown eyes to Billy's.
"Of course" said Billy, marry him
be married" He smiled at her, an
odd little smile that was very hard
% get, but she didn't see how odd 1t
was-she was in love. The boy swung
1is feet hard and swallowed.
I'm happy" said the girl softly
.lneeling down and taking his head in
Ter arms; I'm so very, very happy
IF you're happy" said Billy, why
am" She raised his face and kissed
lis lips lightly-then they were both
como, Billy's worshipping eyes fol.
her to the last. He sat down
quite slowly on the carriage step,
his chin in his hands in the
I'D way. and with wet eyes, but the
memory of the kiss still in his heart,
aced the days without su~nshine--the
without even dreams.
Copyright, 1906, by Daily Story Pub. Coz
r0rr-