CHAPTER XIX.
SEEING BILLY OFF Early in October Mrs.Stetson arrived at the Beacon Street house, but she did not stay long.
"I've come for just a few things I want, and to do some shopping," she explained.
"But Aunt Hannah," remonstrated William, "what is the meaning of this?
Why are you staying up there at Hampden Falls ?" "I like it there, William; and why shouldn't I stay?
Surely there's no need for me to be here now, with Billy away!" "But Billy's coming back!" "Of course she's coming back," laughed Aunt Hannah, "but not this winter, certainly.

Why, William, what's the matter?
I'm sure, I think it's a beautiful arrangement.

Why, don't you remember?
It's just what we said we wanted--to keep Billy away for awhile.

And the best part of it is, it's her own idea from the start." "Yes, I know, I know," frowned William: "but I'm not sure, after all, that that idea of ours wasn't a mistake,--a mistake that she needed to get away." "Never! We were just right about it," declared Aunt Hannah, with conviction.
"And is Billy--happy ?" "She seems to be." "Hm-m; well, THAT'S good," said William, as he turned to go up to his room.

But as he climbed the stairs he sighed; and to hear him, one would have thought it anything but good to him--that Billy was happy.
One by one the weeks passed.