In this case, however, he had elected to use the more personal pen; and it was because of this that William Henshaw, even after reading the letter, was still unaware of his mistake in supposing his namesake, Billy, to be a boy.
In the main the lawyer had referred to Billy by name, or as "the orphan," or as that "poor, lonely child." And whenever the more distinctive feminine "her" or "herself" had occurred, the carelessly formed letters had made them so much like "his" and "himself" that they carried no hint of the truth to a man who had not the slightest reason for thinking himself in the wrong.

It was therefore still for the "boy," Billy, that William Henshaw at once set about making a place in the home.
First he telegraphed the single word "Come" to Billy.
"I'll set the poor lad's heart at rest," he said to Bertram.

"I shall answer Harding's letter more at length, of course.

Naturally he wants to know something about me now before he sends Billy along; but there is no need for the boy to wait before he knows that I'll take him.

Of course he won't come yet, till Harding hears from me." It was just here, however, that William Henshaw met with a surprise, for within twenty-four hours came Billy's answer, and by telegraph.
"I'm coming to-morrow.