The man surmised that it was she, as soon as he saw her, and stepped back at once.

He had no wish for introductions.

A moment later the girl was in Billy's place, and Billy herself was at his side.
"That was Alice Greggory, Bertram," she told him, as they walked on swiftly; "and Bertram, she was actually almost _crying_ when she took my place." "Humph! Well, I should think she'd better be," growled Bertram, perversely.
"Pooh! It didn't hurt me any, dearie," laughed Billy with a conciliatory pat on his arm as they turned down the street upon which her friend lived.

"And now can you come in and see May a minute ?" "I'm afraid not," regretted Bertram.

"I wish I could, but I'm busier than busy to-day--and I was _supposed_ to be already late when I saw you.