"Sometimes, when my day's work is done and I can put it from my mind, I close my eyes and dream--dream of the little home we will build when I return: build--not in the old Square, that is gone except to memory--but in some sunny, open spot where we can live and work together and lead useful lives. It is a beautiful castle as I see it in my dreams--and beautiful with love.
"I will send this letter with other papers to Washington and they will forward it to you.
"Good-by, little soldier--I salute you, my General.
"God keep you for
"DADDY."
The words rang through Keineth's heart like a song. She longed to pour out her joy in music, but Billy's voice came to her from below.
"Ken, Ken."
"Yes, Billy." "Come on, I'll play tennis with you! Bet you can beat me, too!"
Keineth suddenly remembered Peggy's and Billy's rudeness. Perhaps Billy was trying to make amends. She really wanted to be alone with her letter a little longer, but if Billy wanted her to play! She felt proud, too, that he had asked her.
Billy found less difficulty than he had anticipated in letting Keineth win the set. In fact, deep in his heart, he was not sure he had "let" her. For Keineth, fired with the joy within her, played brilliantly, flying over the court like a winged creature, returning Billy's serves with a surprising quickness and strength that completely broke down his boyish confidence in himself.