they were boy and girl together. Yet she shrunk from him a little and

clinched her hands before she spoke.

"Yes," Kathleen faltered, and afterward she shuddered.

And here, if for the moment I may prefigure the Eagle as a sentient

being, I can imagine his chuckle.

"Please God," thought poor Billy, "I will make her happy. Yes, please

God, I can at least do that, since she cares for me."

Then he kissed her.

"My dear," said he, aloud, "I'll try to make you happy. And--and you

don't mind, do you, if I leave you now?" queried this ardent lover.