Billy's all right," Bertram had answered.

He had spoken lightly, nonchalantly, with an elaborate air of carelessness; but after he had left Calderwell, he had turned his steps abruptly and a little hastily toward home.
And he had not found Billy--at least, not at once.

He had gone first down into the kitchen and dining-room.

He remembered then, uneasily, that he had always looked for Billy in the kitchen and dining-room, of late.

To-day, however, she was not there.
On the kitchen table Bertram did see a book wide open, and, mechanically, he picked it up.