"Full up, teacher. Now let's have the good news."
Stanhope told him, his voice not always steady, and Billy sat silent, his grey eyes growing bigger and bigger. And at the conclusion he did a very boyish thing. He lowered his head to the table and cried.
Stanhope groped his way to him, placed his hands gently on the heaving shoulders, and there they remained until Billy, with a long sigh, raised his swimming eyes.
"Teacher," he said. "She's gotta be told about this. You know how she always hoped——"
"Yes."
Billy stood up and reached for his cap. "If Anse comes over, you kin tell him where I've gone. I'll be back long afore dark."
"But, Billy, the wind! You'd better not go."
"The wind's gone down," said the boy. "Jest a fair sailin' breeze now."
"She'll come, you think?"
"She'll come," said Billy, and went out, closing the door softly behind him.