I should spoil your young married life." (William's voice now sounded as if he were reciting a well-learned lesson.) "If I went away and stayed two months, you'd never forget the utter freedom and joy of those two whole months with the house all to yourselves." "Uncle William," gasped Billy, "what _are_ you talking about ?" "About--about my not going back, of course." "But you are coming back," cut in Bertram, almost angrily.

"Oh, come, Will, this is utter nonsense, and you know it! Come, let's go home to dinner." A stern look came to the corners of William's mouth--a look that Bertram understood well.
"All right, I'll go to dinner, of course; but I sha'n't stay," said William, firmly.

"I've thought it all out.

I know I'm right.

Come, we'll go to dinner now, and say no more about it," he finished with a cheery smile, as he rose to his feet.