You poor child, you're worn out; and no wonder! But don't worry another bit about the operetta.

Now is there anything else I can do for you?
Anything else I can slay ?" Billy laughed tremulously.
"N-no, thank you; not that you can--slay, I fancy," she sighed.
"That is--not that you _will_," she amended wistfully, with a sudden remembrance of the Cause, for which he might do so much--if he only would.
Arkwright bent a little nearer.

His breath stirred the loose, curling hair behind Billy's ear.

His eyes had flashed into sudden fire.
"But you don't know what I'd do if I could," he murmured unsteadily.

"If you'd let me tell you--if you only knew the wish that has lain closest to my heart for--" "Miss Neilson, please," called the despairing voice of one of the earth-bound fairies; "Miss Neilson, you _are_ there, aren't you ?" "Yes, I'm right here," answered Billy, wearily.