"I'm not in a Sunday-school book," he returned. "Besides, who is there?"
"Somebody. You didn't do it. Oh, Billy, I wish I were good for anything!"
"You're pretty much all there is, Ted. Perhaps, when your mother comes, it won't be so bad."
She came, the next evening, escorted by Archie, who looked white and thin, but otherwise appeared like his usual self. Theodora felt that his coming brought a whiff of fresher air into the sultry life of the family circle. He was so gay, so full of the breezy atmosphere of the western mountains, that his coming seemed to scatter a little the clouds which had gathered; while his honest, kindly face made her feel, as it had done before, that he was a friend to be trusted.
The doctor had met the travellers at the station, and Theodora knew that they were in possession of the story long before they reached the house. It was impossible from Mrs. McAlister's manner to read her decision in regard to the rights of the case. She met Billy as cordially as ever, when he came down to supper; and during the meal she forced him to take an active part in the conversation. As soon as they left the table, Billy turned away and went to his room. A moment later, she tapped on his door.
"Come in," he said, for he supposed it was Theodora.
She came in and sat down beside him.
"Billy, my boy," she said gently; "tell me all about it, as if I were your own mother."
He looked up, and something in the expression of his blue eyes reminded her of a hunted animal.
"What is there to tell?"