Fair play., 1921-02-26
CUPID ALIAS BILLY
sy WILLIS GRAY.
0N6o0NDo~DN MDl


cut out and pasted crimson hearts to
lacy backgrounds wandered far from
the work in hand, Billy and his little
sister were none the wiser. Tomorrow
was Valentines day, and she had
agreed to help them make the proper
offerings to lay at various shrines
among their schoolmates.
As matter Of fact, Marjorie was
grateful for any occupation that kept
her from seeking the seclusion Of her
own room and having a regular good
cry. One doesn't have a perfectly
splendid fiance 60 out Of ones life
every day, metaphorically slamming
the door behind him--and all over
nothing.
Over and over in her mind revolved
the events Of the previous evening.
Bruce had arrived half an hour later
than usual. She had demanded the
reason for his tardiness-in fun. He
had refused to give any-in fun: And
before they knew It they had a regular
sized quarrel on their hands.
Bruce had maintained that for her
to insist showed she didn't trust him.
She had held just as stOutly that the
fact that he didn't tell her argued that
the reason was one he knew would dis
please her, and the only one that would
displease her would be connected with
some other girl. and so-oh, It had all
been so silly, until the last, which had
been tragic.
Bruce had risen and remarked
coldly that he was going home and
would come again when she sent for
him. Marjorie could hear herself now
saying In unutterably naughty tones
that never under any circumstances
could she conceive 1t possible that she
would even think Of such thing
Bruce had departed by way of the
front door. Marjorie had gone up
stairs, remorse already battling with
dignity.
With sigh she brought herself back
to the present. "What shall 1 put in
for versei" she asked.
"Oh. anything" said Billy, offhand.
Make up something with lots of the
silly stun that is usually on va,en-
| tines.
| In the space left for them beside an
over-plump cupid shooting very large
arrow at very small heart, Marjorie
carefully penned the lines.
| II love you dear,
| For you are mine,
! oh come and be
My valentlne"
Thanks" said Billy, gratefully,
ITS rather mushy. but you might as
well write the same one on them ALL"
So over and over Marjorie printed
the little verse until the short Febru-
ary day was swallowed in the twi-
light.
"We1l stop now. kiddies," said Mar
jorie. "Put them In their envelopes
and I'll mail them in the box mt the
corner"
Now, the corner where the mail box
stood was also the corner Bruce passed
on his way home from the train.
So accurately did Marjorie time her
trip to the corner that the last of the
bunch of childishly scrawled envelopes
had slipped irrevOcably In and the lid
closed with click, when she heard be.
hind her the familiar STEP and turn.
Ing, raised her eyes to meet the un.
smiling ones Of Bruce. Afterward
she remembered that he had looked for
moment as II he wanted to stop. But
he had merely raised his hat politely
and walked on. And Marjorie, the
words of contrition halted on her lips
had started after him in sorry dis.
may.
That evening Marjorie left the liv
ing room for the reception room where
she usually entertained Bruce.
i Suddenly, the front door opened, and
the draperies parted to admit smil
Ing eyed young man who advanced
with Outstretched arms into which
Marjorie straightway went. Bruce
she whispered, ut was lovely for you
to give I'M"
"Give in" he cried, "whO wouldn'
give in after that adorable little invi
f tation. Why, you darling, was read!
to come anyway, but after gettini
! that"
Marjorie detached herself from hI.
embrace. 'Getting whatT' she asked
coldly.
"Oh, know It by heart" he began
II love you. dear,
For you are mine,
Oh. come and be
My valentine!"
Marjorie was silent for the space a
Q whole half minute.
v "That-awful Billy" she said "H'
must have sent one to you"
/"SweetheaYt," said Bruce, softly
ARE you really sorry?"
: Marjorie looked up at him
. "No-o--o," she said hesitatingly
= then emphatically: mo, I'm not!"
l weren't we silly geese?" whispered
Bruce over her dark hair. "The rea
I SON ! was late was"
y Don't ever tell met" cried Mar