“I came for you. I want you to go home with me, please, Mr. Bertram,” whispered Billy, pleadingly.
The man had not waited for an answer to his question. With a deft touch he had turned Billy toward the door; and even as she finished her sentence she found herself in the marble hallway confronting Pete, pallid-faced, and shaking.
“And you, too, Pete! Great Scott! what does this mean?” he exploded angrily.
Pete could only shake his head and glance imploringly at Billy. His dry lips and tongue refused to articulate even one word.
“We came—for—you,” choked Billy. “You see, I don't like that Seaver man.”
“Well, by Jove! this is the limit!” breathed Bertram.
CHAPTER XVI
KATE TAKES A HAND
Undeniably Billy was in disgrace, and none knew it better than Billy herself. The whole family had contributed to this knowledge. Aunt Hannah was inexpressibly shocked; she had not breath even to ejaculate “My grief and conscience!” Kate was disgusted; Cyril was coldly reserved; Bertram was frankly angry; even William was vexed, and showed it. Spunk, too, as if in league with the rest, took this opportunity to display one of his occasional fits of independence; and when Billy, longing for some sort of comfort, called him to her, he settled back on his tiny haunches and imperturbably winked and blinked his indifference.