"I—I never want to live through another one like it," she said with a little shiver, then suddenly rose to go. "The doctor said you mustn't be excited," she explained as he looked up at her reproachfully. "And I," she looked away again, "I just wanted to—thank you, Allen—but if you won't let me——"
"Betty," he broke in, an eager light of daring in his eyes, "I know it's sort of taking advantage—but—there's just one way you can—thank me. Won't you—please——"
Slowly his meaning dawned upon Betty, and the color flamed into her face. Then, light as thistledown, her lips brushed his cheek and she was gone, closing the door softly behind her.
With wildly beating heart Allen pressed a hand to his cheek and gazed longingly after her.
"Betty," he whispered. "Oh, my Betty!"
CHAPTER XXI
ALLEN A HERO
"Gee, Allen, but you're a lucky boy!"
It was Sunday afternoon, and the young folks had hired two automobiles for a trip out into the country. It was more than two weeks since the fire, and all but Allen had completely recovered from it. He, however, still felt a little "wabbly," so the boys and girls had conferred together, deciding that an automobile trip was just what he needed to complete his recovery.
Now at Roy's rather vague remark about his luck, he turned to him inquiringly.