Miss Billy's Decision

by Eleanor H. Porter

“Hurt! How?”

“I don't know. Pete told me.”

“Pete!”

“Yes. Rosa had told him we were coming, and he called me up. He said maybe I could do something. So he told me.”

“Yes, yes! But told you what?”

“That he was hurt.”

“How?”

“I couldn't hear all, but I think 'twas an accident—automobile. And, Billy, Billy—Pete says it's his arm—his right arm—and that maybe he can't ever p-paint again!”

“Oh-h!” Billy fell back as if the words had been a blow. “Not that, Aunt Hannah—not that!”

“That's what Pete said. I couldn't get all of it, but I got that. And, Billy, he's been out of his head—though he isn't now, Pete says—and—and—and he's been calling for you.”