Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1909-02-05
CHAPTER VII.-Continued.


Galbraith looked hard at William
DARYL That young man decided to re-
main; he was not going to be frightened
away by glance.
well, hurry, Cousin Kenl" said Lii
"You won't be able to hear yourself
speak when the band begins. We start
with Sousa-it goes eapitally."
Come with me, then. Lillian"
Not without Billy; 1 really cantl
Billy may hear anything you have to
say. There are no secrets from him."
She stood firm, her eyes mocking, her
mouth set. 1t was war of will against
will
He clenched his teeth, and said in a
voice of suppressed passion
Il am sorry to be importunate, but
you must come with me, and alone |
do not require Mr.. Daryll'3 presence
Daryl disengaged himself gently from
the girls grasp. She looked at him re-
proachfully, with the air of one who feels
herself deserted; but she was not shaken
in her resolve.
you are tiresome,' she said, pouting
her red lips. L will not go with you.
Tell me all you want TO say tomorrow
when we have no guests to amuse"
"You must come with mel insist %
he persisted. Lii only smiled at him. He
lost hold of himself-his temper was a
violent one, and she was trying it sorely.
He put out his hand and drew her to-
wards him with scant gentleness. In do
ing so he touched a Chinese lantern 1t
was insecurity fastened, and fell. Lii
uttered a piercing shrek Her light
dress was in flames. 1t was a moment
when presence of mind was essential.
There was no wrap at hand in which to
envelop the terrified girl.
Galbraith stood aghast, but not so
young Daryl. Before the terrified guests
who had focked to the spot had time to
draw second breath, Billy had clasped
the girl in his arms. His voice, with the
old cheerful ring in it, constrained Lii as
did his iron clasp.
ct is all right, dear!" he cried "Here
goesl" He leapt into the lake quick as
lightning. The water conquered the
flames He had saved the girls life The
boy had proved himself Drawer. wiser,
more master of the situation than the
man.
the lake dripping but smiling In the
girls heart was a great, unconquerable
Joy. Her face was TRANSPORTED. In one
ecstatic moment she had felt the pres
sure of a kiss on her lips, in one ecstatic
moment she had learnt what the scene
On the tool house had really meant. Billy
loved her. All, but that was not all. She
loved him. Lil, with her drenched gar
ments clinging to her, faced her friends
and beamed upon them. It was only
when she looked at Galbraith that the
glory faded from her face. Then she
took Billy's burnt and blistered hands in
hers, and cried out so that all should
bear
Wasn't it brave, wasn't it clever? He
saved my life, didn't her.
There was wild and excited cheer.
"And l am not burnt bit, while his
poor hands"
There was moments silence Then
she spoke again, this time to Galbraith
Il think that since you let the lantern
fall you ought to have been the one to
put the fire out" she said, in a cold
distinct voice don't your"
Love-" he whispered, IT was toe
alarmed. My presence of mind deserted
me-" Then, aloud, he said
You must go indoors, dear child, you
will catch your death of cold"
He approached, and made as though
he would assist her.
Billy will take me indoors she re-
piled, and passed him by, with a fierce
little shake of her charred skirt that
covered him with moisture.
She and Billy walked along between
two rows of spectators, but both were
entirely unabashed. Indeed they were
soblivious of their surroundings.
You have saved my life, Billy!" she
gasped. "But-buit it is a spoilt life
il don't know what to do with it. Only
am glad, very glad, that you kissed me
And-dear, it is only fair to tell you
that love you'll"