El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1912-12-28

II he had looked he would have seen
that her eyes were full of tears.
They got to the little old town OF
Cambridge just before o'clock, and
went TO lunch at a quaint, ancient Inn
Derrick was charming to her; he did
not once seem familiar OF lover like.
except in his admiration, which he
showed plainly enough
Billy found she could talk to him
very easily She asked him questions
about his expedition so eagerly that
suddenly he laughed
why, DOreen," he said, you used 70
be bored to death when I talked about
the Antartic-"
Billy flushed crimson.
I've changed" she said m
awfully interested now
when were married., he said, lean
ing back in his ehair-they had Just
finished 1unch-"Pu take you out
south as far as I dare take a woman"
ooh, Derrick, how lovely" Billy's
eyes sparkled- She loved the idea Of
a life Of adventure, interest and dar-
ing with this splendid, strong man.
She smiled happily, then she gave
little sigh. ''Oh. I fOrgotr' she said
Forgot what2"
ooh, never mindr' She looked so sad
that he leaned forward and took both
her hands
'DOreenr' he said, his voice a little
husky.
sprang to her eyes were almost brim-
ming over. She hated herself bitterly
How could Doreen have treated this
splendid, this brave, chivalrOus man as
she had2
Meryl was looking down at the little
fluttering hands he held. He started
in surprise
'Doreen, where is your engagement
ring?" he asked, in hurt voice.
Billy. overweight as she vas, could
have screamed Doreen had forgotten
to give it to her.
'T-I-Oh. don't ask me-dOn'tl she
cried. and buried her burning face in
her hands.
''DOreen, darlingl"
He got Up, and coming over to her.
he put his arms around her gently
Billy broke away
DON'T can't bear itt' she sObbed
What is it DOreen2 I thought we
were going to be such friends thought
you cared a little, dear-thOugh before
I went I didn't deceive myself knew
you didn't really love me, but now
he turned away.
Billy gGYe a great SOB. She faced
s him with scarlet cheeks and wet eyes,
her little hands clenched at her sides
I am not DOreen," she said
"What2' He sprang towards her and
caught her shoulders almost roughly.
Then who are yOu2" he said tensely-
I'm Billy, DOreen's sister" And n
a torrent of words she told him every
thing OF DOreen'S elOpement. of the
whole subterfuge- And now she
said, I've done for myself I've be-
haved like a mean, cheap. hateful little
beast"
Hush. hush" he said gently.
IF I'd known You were like you are
-as splendid and good as you are-I
wouldn't have done what did for fifty
DOreens- How you must positively
hate mer'
"FunniIy enough, he answered quiet
" Il don't hate you at all
''OhI" She stood silent. her eyes
downcast.
There was a desperately embarrassing
silence. then he spoke in a matter OF
fact voice
''The next thing to do" he said. sis
to go and buy an immense bOQuet of
flowers for Doreen. Mrs. Cheltenhan,
and send them to her. ShalTwe2"
That's like you" said Billy softly.
They went out bought a bunch OF
lovely white roses, and then started
for home
As they neared the house Billy
glanced up apprehensively.
Father will be furious" she said
He had made up his mind about you
and DOreen-and-Oh-I suppose we
shall never see you again"
He slowed the motor down and
turned to her.
I should like to come down again
next week. if may. May 7 Billy"
But what. can what have I to do
with it?" she asked wistfully.
Everything" he said
She looked at him dazed. He smiled
and STOPPING, kissed her upturned face.
Then Billy understood.