Miss Billy's Decision

Book Excerpt: ...ecided that it's been a year, almost, since I received it. I think I was really convinced, for a while, that--that she didn't want that apple pie,'' he finished with a whimsical lightness that did not quite coincide with the stern lines that had come to his mouth.For a moment there was silence, then Calderwell spoke again.``Where did you know--Miss Billy?''``Oh, I don't know her at all. I know of her-- through Aunt Hannah.''Calderwell sat suddenly erect.``Aunt Hannah! Is she your aunt, too? Jove! This is a little old world, after all; isn't it?''``She isn't my aunt. She's my mother's third cousin. None of us have seen her for years, but she writes to mother occasionally; and, of course, for some time now, her letters have been running over full of Billy. She lives with her, I believe; doesn't she?''``She does,'' rejoined Calderwell, with an unexpected chuckle. ``I wonder if you know how she happened to live with her, at first.''``Why, no, I reckon not. What d...