Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-10-13
THE DAILY STORY: "Devotedly, Bill"

there one day l was i'm the library about
sundown, looking up some references. He
came up behind me, and never even
asked permission, just tipped back my
head. and kissed the good and plenty
| "Bless his old brave heart" interrupted
/ Nan fervently, leaning forward, her chin
| on her hands. Then what?'
Then" (Eleanor's eyes were full Of
tears) one day 1 went skating down at
| the lake, and the ice broke through. He
| got me out, saved my life, every one
! said. Mother came up to see me then,
and 1 wanted her to know Billie. That's
/ about all. You know mother. She SIM
| ply whsked me down here in the spring.
| and closed the house in June the day
after he called here. She's trotted me
| around all summer. trying to make me
/ forget. and l haven't any idea where he
is now"
Doesn't he even write to your"
I'VE promised we wouldn't. not for a
! year What's that?"
Both girls rose to their feet with
| startled eyes.
the hail." Nan whispered, her dark eyes
wide with dread. "You turned off the
lights"
| did you hear that7'' Nan whispered,
her face pressed against the door listen
ing. Somebody whistled, and 1t was
| answered"
I'm have to break these shutters to
call for help" Eleanor loked about for
a battering ram. outside in the bare hail
there came the unmistakable sound Of
footsteps, moments pause and pound
| ing on the door.
Come on, now!" called a deep voics
open up. You know you can't get out
| of there"
And you cannot get in," returned
/ n VnFN oil IL
break in the doors will fire."
Sure, tits a woman's voice" they heard
some one say. Shall break in the door
Mr. Blair?"
mo, no, wait" The knob turned. A
shoulder pressed against the door panel
Nell open the door, please I know
| your voice. It's Bill"
who's with your"
Just the watchman. I saw the lights
and thought burglars were in here. Oper
the door, please"
Eleanor turned the key Tall and very
| lovely she looked in her long blue creme
kmono, her face pale and determined
her hair in two long braids over her
shoulders like some old-time Saxon prin.
cess.
Out in the hallway stood Bill IN,
original Of the picture. and the old watch.
man.
"Nell,' he cried, II had no idea II wa,
you In here. I've had a room across the
street all summer just to be near tho
house, and when l saw the lights hasl
on called Sullivan here and we hustled
over to get the burglars. I'm awfuIly
sorry"
Sullivan moved tactfully down the hall
way, testing locks here and there. Mar
had dropped Imply into a willow chair
with its back toward the two at the
door. Bill raised two white slim hands
TO his lips and kissed them.
TITS so wonderful to see you again
girl, dear. I've watched these barred
shutters all summer, waiting for you e
come back. 1 won't wait a year, Nell
Look at me. Aren't you glad to SEE
me?"
Don't you know. Billie boy7''
Listen, dear. Don't let them take you
away from me again. It's providence
this mix-up here tonight. I've been pa.
tient for months. Don't say no, Nell
I'll be over early for you, and we'H bt
married before anything can happen"
He was gone before she could ever
protest. From the willow chair came q
contented chuckle and a brief remark
| 'Devotedly, BILL"