You couldn't paint; Mr.Cyril couldn't play or write; and--and everything was different because I was there.

But I didn't blame you--no, no!" she assured him hastily.

"It was only that I--found out." "And may I ask HOW you obtained this most extraordinary information ?" demanded Bertram, savagely.
Billy shook her head.

Her round little chin looked suddenly square and determined.
"You may ask, but I shall not tell," she declared firmly.
If Bertram had known Billy just a little better he would have let the matter drop there; but he did not know Billy, so he asked: "Was it anything I did--or said ?" The girl did not answer.
"Billy, was it ?" Bertram's voice showed terror now.
Billy laughed unexpectedly.
"Do you think I'm going to say 'no' to a series of questions, and then give the whole thing away by my silence when you come to the right one ?" she demanded merrily.

"No, sir!" "Well, anyhow, it wasn't I, then," sighed the man in relief; "for you just observed that you were not going to say 'no to a series of questions'-- and that was the first one.