Little boys! Were they bent on insulting him?
Jock descended with that laugh of his that always disturbed Billy's preconceived ideas. Then Billy was facing Her as she bent to meet him halfway.
The glad smile passed slowly from Constance Drew's face. The others, below, were talking and forgetting the two upon the ladder.
"Why—Billy—have you—been sick?"
"No, ma'am."
"Did they let you come home for Christmas?"
"No, ma'am. I jest cum."
Constance looked long at him, and at last the laugh was gone even from her dear eyes.
"Billy," she said softly, laying her hands on his shoulders, "you've been keeping your word to me, about swearing, and—and all the rest?"
"Yes'm."