“Don't you see? I—I HAVE turned,” she faltered breathlessly, holding out both her hands.
Even then, in spite of the great light that leaped to his eyes, Bertram advanced only a single step.
“But—William?” he questioned, unbelievingly.
“It WAS a mistake, just as you thought. We know now—both of us. We don't either of us care for the other—that way. And—Bertram, I think it HAS been you—all the time, only I didn't know!”
“Billy, Billy!” choked Bertram in a voice shaken with emotion. He opened his arms then, wide—and Billy walked straight into them.
CHAPTER XLII
THE “END OF THE STORY”
It was two days after Billy's new happiness had come to her that Cyril came home. He went very soon to see Billy.
The girl was surprised at the change in his appearance. He had grown thin and haggard looking, and his eyes were somber. He moved restlessly about the room for a time, finally seating himself at the piano and letting his fingers slip from one mournful little melody to another. Then, with a discordant crash, he turned.