Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-09-17
CHAPTER XI.

self Try as he would, Billy Fenton
could never catch more than a passing
glimpse of her. The occupants of the big
house and of it's smaller neighbor had
become exceedingly friendly. Vera and
Delda had struck up violent friendship
that necessitated their meeting three or
four times a day. When Terry was not
at the big house, Billy was at the Rec
tory. and even the seniors found it very
convenient to compare notes with great
frequency: Only Aileen held herself
aloof. but she did it so naturally that
there were times when even Billy was de-
ceived and inclined to believe in the
reading hard" bad headache" excuses
that met him. But, if this happened oc-
casionally, it was certainly not often, and
in church his eyes met hers with a look
half humorous, wholly determined. He
had often played on losing side and had
known what logged perseverance could
do.
At length his opportunity arrived. A
casual remark of Lulu's revealed the fact
that Aileen was going to Caterham on the
following morning to buy certain things
for a big parish entertainment to be held
some days later A little dexterous ques-
tioning put Billy in possession of all he
wanted to know, and he went home chuck
ling.
The next morning, just as the eleven
O'Clock boat was moving away from the
pier, tall young man ran hastily down
the stage and jumped on board, and as
she saw him a very smart, wel-dressed
young lady passenger uttered an excla-
nation under her breath, and, turning
away, bowed very graciously to a lady
whom up TO that moment she had done
her best to avoid. When Billy's eyes
appeared above the level of the upper
deck. they saw his charmer, with an ac-
cess of color in her face, talking very
animatedly to Miss Prior, altogether OBJ
livious Of the smiling young man who
advanced with outstretched hand.
Good morning You are far more
punctual than ]"
Aileen gasped, brt put her hand In his
for one brief second while the look in
her eyes said very plainly, 81 will be
revenged for this" But, having gained
his point, Billy cared nothing for future
penalties and basked happily in the sun
of the present. He made himself unusu-
ally agreeable to Miss Prior, whom he
had known only by repute, for he felt he
owed her a debt of gratitude. 1t was only
because she was present with her sharp
eyes and greedy ears that Aileen had
been obliged to fellow his lead and talk
and laugh as if she shared in the family
intimacy. Such good actors did they
prove that Miss Prior was quite deceived,
4 Ind 20 n not, t,,,.o
clusion that the meeting on the boae was
not entirely unexpected.
Are you going to help Aileen TO buy
toys, Mr.. Fenton?" she asked. II am
sure you will enjoy yourself very much"
with meaning smile that brought the
color to Aliens face.
IL am hoping that Miss Beresford will
help me-" he answered. my mother
gives a tea every year to some orphanage
children and presents them with toys and
oranges. and when she heard that Miss
Beresford was going into town she gave
me a list of things that she wanted, think
ing that perhaps you''-addressing Aileen
would give me the benefit of your taste
and Judgment. | called at the Rectory
to ask, but Moyra told me you had al
INluH sOht anu oeAiN Ast0 OfllcE run
after you"
"ohr' said Miss Prior, not quite sure
that she understood this elaborate expla-
nation.
When the ferryboat arrived at the
stage Billy made himself useful In engag-
ing porter to carry Miss Prior's luggage
to a cab The lady was delighted
Really q very charming young man
SO very clean!" she said approvingly
well, good-by, my dear! l shall be
away a week. I'm afraid the tea party
will come to grief, but l really could not
stay"-preparing to descend. 81 hope that
young man has paid the porters- Their
charges are exorbitant."
Aileen followed her slowly and found
Billy waiting for her at the gangway.
She did not speak until they were free of
the stage and going slowly up the floating
bridge that led to the open square where
the tramcsr terminus was. Then she
said slowly:
II suppose it is useless for me to say
prefer my own company, Mr.. Fenton?"
Yes, it IS" Billy answered stoutly,
though his color rose. I'm not going to
play hide-and-seek any longer, and l am
determined to have the whole matter out
once and for all. 1t is entirely your own
fault that l had to bluff before Miss
Prior. You should have given noe an OPP
portunity of being properly intoduced.s
Aileen shrugged her shoulders There
was certainly something very fascinating
about this mere Undergraduate, for when
| she was with him her resentment inva-
riably melted into amusement. Billy saw
his advantage and haiied a hanson, en-
tirely disregarding her protests
I'VE are going 20 settle this matter"
he observed piacidly. Drive to Seton
Perk gates, csbby. Now then"-as they
drove awsy-"win you marry me?~
Indeed l won't!'
That's the fourteenth refusal I have
had from you. For the future l am so
| ing on q fresh tack"
Il am glad to hear it; and. by the By,
please take this back /" She drew a
| small leather case from her pocket Il
am sorry, but cannot accept valuable
presents except from my relatives"
| lie took the case. looked at the con-
| tents. the~tiny flashing heart, in silence.
and then stretched ont his hand 70 throw
/ il out into the street. Aileen naturally
caught his wrist; her wonan's instincts
| revolted at such foolish proceeding.
How can you be so foolish and ridicu-
lous? The idea of throwing away thing
/ like thatl Give it TO your sister. But
don't be So absurd. Really msn have no
idea OF money"
Il suppose you would have accepted 1t
If Lewiston had sent it?' he said, twist
| ing the chain round his fingers. OF
course know Lewiston IS expected every
day. Bride told me l told her she
needn't have any fear that he'd take any
notice OF her"
Aileen made no answer. The cab had
eft the crowded streets behind. and they
were rolling along a quiet, residential
avenue.
Il suppose-well. OF course every one