Billy nodded. “Yes, that is why I am puzzled. One does not expect nonsense from Peg. And Ralph is rather inclined toward it with most girls. Still you are right, Vera, and I feel a little snubbed—like the fellow always does who is told to practice what he preaches.”
“I didn’t mean to be disagreeable.”
Billy laughed back. “No, you never do and you never are. But, come, let’s cross the road here. We must manage to get lost in the right place—just as Ralph and Peggy did. But do you know, Vera, something already tells me that I am not going to be happy this afternoon? Fact is, I am abominably hungry and we can’t have been riding an hour.”
“Let’s stop, then, and rest for a little while,” the girl suggested. She had been afraid that her companion might grow overtired, as he had taken no long ride before. “You see, I had an idea that we might both develop an appetite, as lunch is so early, so I brought along lots of sandwiches.”
Billy uttered a boyish whoop of delight which had nothing visionary or unselfish in it.
“Trump!” he declared getting off his pony almost at once and then turning to help Vera.
They were in the pine woods, so it was easy enough to find an agreeable resting place under the trees.
In the most natural fashion, after Vera sat down, Billy stretched himself out resting his head in her lap. It was the same as if she had been Peggy, except that he honestly believed she cared for him more than his sister did.
Then he deliberately stuffed himself with sandwiches and talked, as Billy adored doing when he could find a sympathetic audience.
“I just want to find out what those fellows are in hiding for, Vera—not for any special reason,” he insisted. “You see, it gets a little dull, just lying around all day in the sun. I like scenery, but I like it as a background. I am afraid I want a little—a little more—”