The herald., 1914-12-31
"DEVOTEOLy, BILL"
BY lZOlA FORESTER.

Where are the matches?"
Nan stumbled over a taboret and
emitted a startled exclamation.
"Forevermore! Eleanor, where on
earth are you?'
Stand still until | can ind where
the switch is, goose" There came
the click of button and the long
reception hall lay revealed in a food
of light.
1t was after twelve. and they both
needed rest more than anything after
the trip down from the mountains.
/ II was cheerier in the cOzy bedroom
suite upstairs. The rooms connected
/ with each other, and Nan rambled
about, her brown hair in two long
braids and a kimOnO wrapped about
her Tucked into a corner was a pho
tograph that seemed different from the
rest. 1t was such a splendid, manly
young face that smiled out at one from
/ IT. Nan turned il over and read or
the back In a scrawling, boyish writ
ing:
'Devotedly, Bill"
Over at the little white dressing
table Eleanor sat brushing her hair.
Somehow no one would ever have con-
nected her with college boys who
signed themselves, 'Devotedly, Bill"
What are you chuckling over?'
asked Eleanor.
"DevotedIy, Bill"
Eleanor turned around her fair hair
falling loosely over her shoulders. her
eyes filling with tears.
"Oh, Nell, didn't mean TO stir up
anything"
"Oh, it's all right You didn't strike
any heavy minor chord" She looked
down at the photograph tenderly. He
was just boy l met up at Cornell
last winter, the very first boy that
ever dared to love me-"
Bless his old brave heart" inter-
rupted Nan fervently, leaning forward,
her chin on her hands. Doesn't he
even write to YOU"
I'VE promised we wouldn't, not for
year. What that?"
Both girls rose to their feet with
startled eyes.
Somebody fell over the taboret
N the hail." Nan whispered, her dark
eyes wide with dread. You turned
off the lights"
Eleanor thought quickly. The house
had been closed since June. A care
taker came every day to look after it, /
and at night the watchman was sup
posed to guard it. She crossed the
room and locked both doors leading
into the hall, then went to the win
dows.
Did you hear that?" Nan whispered, |
her face pressed against the door
listening. Somebody whistled, and it
was answered"
Nan shrank back, her face covered
with her hands, but Eleanor slipped
one arm around her, soothing her even
while her own heart throbbed heavily.
Come on, now!" called a deep
voice. open up. You know you can't
get out of there"
And you cannot get in," returned
Eleanor clearly. "If you attempt to
break in the doors will fire."
Sure, 'tis a woman's voice." they
heard some one say. Shall I break
In the door. Mr.. Blair?"
mo, no, wait" The knob turned.
A shoulder pressed against the door
panel. Nell, open the door, please.
know your voice. It's BILL"
Who's with you?"
Just the watchman. l saw the
lights and thought burglars were in
here. Open the door, please"
Eleanor turned the key. Tall and
very lovely she looked in her long.
blue crepe kimono, her face pale and
determined, her hair in two long
braids over her shoulders like some
old-time Saxon princess.
Out in the hallway stood Bill. the
original Of the picture, and the old
Nell" he cried, 81 had no idea II
was you in here. I've had a room
ACROSS the street all summer Just to ,
De near the house, and when I saw the
lights flash on, l called Sullivan here !
md we hustled over to get the bur-
glars. I'm awfully .orry"
Sullivan moved tactfully down the S
railway, testing locks here and there. :
Van had dropped Imply into a willow I
,halr, with Its back toward the two at ,,
he door. Bill raised two white. slim v
lands to his lips and kissed them.
Its so wonderful to see you again.
'irl dear. I've watched these barred
hutters all summer, waiting for you |
o come back. l won't wait a wear. d
Nell. Look at me. Aren't YOU glad !,
o see me-" 4
Don't you know, Billie boy?"
Listen, dear. Don't let them take r
'ou away from me again. It's Provi. +
Ience, this mixup here tonight. I've !
'een patient for months. Don't saw Il
10, Nell. I'll be over early for Won. ,
nd we'll be married before ANYTHING sI
an happen" s.
He was gone before she could even h
rotest. From the willow chair cams it
contented chuckle, and a brief re u
lark: b,
Devotedly, Bill" 10
Copyright. 1914 by the Mcclure Nevsna- in
per Syndicate.) m
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