But you didn't say it, nor hint it.

Like the brave little bit of inspiration that you are, you bade me stay and go on with my work." The "inspiration's" head drooped a little lower, but this only brought a wealth of soft bronze hair to just where Bertram could lay his cheek against it--and Bertram promptly took advantage of his opportunity.

"And so I stayed, Billy, and I did good work; I know I did good work.

Why, Billy,"-- Bertram stepped back now, and held Billy by the shoulders at arms' length--"Billy, that's going to be the best work I've ever done.

I can see it coming even now, under my fingers." Billy lifted her head and looked into her lover's face.