e quick-growing things, just for this season, until
we can get the more permanent things established."

And so they worked together, studying, scheming, ordering plants
and seeds, their two heads close together above the gaily colored
catalogues. Later there was the work itself to be done, and though
strong men did the heavier part, there was yet plenty left for Billy's
eager fingers--and for Bertram's. And if sometimes in the intimacy of
seed-sowing and plant-setting, the touch of the slenderer fingers sent
a thrill through the browner ones, Bertram made no sign. He was careful
always to be the cheerful, helpful assistant--and that was all.

Billy, it is true, was a little disturbed at being quite so much with
Bertram. She dreaded a repetition of some such words as had been uttered
at the end of the sleigh-ride. She told herself that she had no right
to grieve Bertram, to make it hard for him by being with him; but at
the very next breath, she could but question; did she grieve him? Was
it hard for him to have her with him? Then she would glance at his eager
face and meet his buoyant smile--and answer "no." After that, for a
time, at least, her fears would be less.

Systematically Billy avoided Cyril these days. She could not forget his
promise to make many things clear to her some day. She thought she knew
what he meant--that he would try to convince her (as she had tried to
convince herself) that she would make a good wife for him.

Billy was very sure that if Cyril could be prevented from speaking his
mind just now, his mind would change in time; hence her determination to
give his mind that opportunity.

Billy's avoidance of Cyril was the more easily accomplished because she
was for a time taking a complete rest from her music. The new songs
had been finished and sent to the publishers. There was no excuse,
therefore, for Cyril's coming to the house on that score; and, indeed,
he seemed of his own accord to be making only infrequent visits now.
Billy was pleased, particularly as Marie was not there to play third
party. Marie had taken up her teaching again, much to Billy's distress.

"But I can't stay here always, like this," Marie had protested.

"But I should like to keep you!" Billy had responded, with no less
decision.

Marie had been firm, however, and had gone, leaving the little house
lonely without her.

Aside from her work in the garden Billy as resolutely avoided Bertram as
she did Cyril. It was