"Do you remember," said Theodore, "we were reading the other day that a man is as great--not as his father's money, or his grandfather's name, but as the force within himself? Miss Billy, I have force enough to drive Mr. Hennesy's team, and stick to it! Inasmuch as that, I am a man." Miss Billy looked up, overawed. Laziness, heedlessness, vanity, had dropped away as a mantle, and from the steady grey eyes looked the serious spirit of a man. Like a rainbow of promise, Miss Billy smiled through her tears. "Theodore Lee," she said, wiping the last drop off her nose, "Theodore Lee, I'm proud of you!" CHAPTER XIV TWO LETTERS "Princess, to you the western breeze Bears many a ship and heavy laden; What is the best we send in these? A free and frank young Yankee maiden." "COLOGNE, GERMANY. "_Dear Miss Billikins_: "Prepare to clap your hands and chortle with joy! In six weeks and two days more I shall be at home with you! Perhaps I am a trifle conceited to think that you will be as delighted over the prospect as I am. "Even my grief at leaving my beloved Germany is drowned in joy at the thought of being home again; and when I see papa and mamma's dear faces I shall be the happiest girl this side of the Atlantic. After all, there is no place like America, and no people like the Americans. "In proof of which, I can a tale unfold--a tale, Miss Billy, which will make your blood stand on end and your hair run cold in your veins. I have had an adventure that brought the tears of shame and contrition to my eyes, and which will bring the tears of sympathy to yours. Get out your largest and most absorbent handkerchief and prepare to listen. "It rained yesterday,--not one of the mild English drizzles, but a regular American downpour that lasted all day. About four o'clock I put my music aside and went downstairs, with the intention of taking a stroll, or more literally, a swim. Frau Henich held up her hands in holy horror at the sight of my costume, which was a combination of bathing suit and bicycle skirt. "Will the bold Fräulein venture out in such wetness? "The bold Fräulein would. "Did she not fear the dampness? "The Fräulein adored dampness. "Was there no message that could be sent? "The Fräulein had no message. She was going out for her pleasure.