BRUNO 89 



Thus perish our illusions ! 



Bruno was inclined to resent this unceremo- 

 nious taking off of our pet, and began to growl ; 

 but as soon as I recovered from the mingled 

 emotions which at first had rendered me speech- 

 less, I realized from Billy's actions that he and 

 the colored girl were old friends ; so I silenced 

 him by saying, 



"Never mind, Boonie, it wasn't our deer; it 

 only came for a little visit, and now it 's going 

 home." Then we stood watching graceful 

 Billy and his uncouth companion till they dis- 

 appeared through the old City Gates. 



Late that evening, Bruno having had his 

 supper, I sat by the fire sipping a cup of choco- 

 late, and thinking those tender, half-melancholy 

 thoughts we are apt to have at twilight when 

 separated from those beloved. 



All at once I heard the gate click. Bruno 

 sprang up, thrilled and alert. A footstep on 

 the walk ah, Bruno knew it, even before I 

 did, and was so eager to get out that he almost 

 held the door shut in his excitement. We 

 finally got it open, and there, weary, eager, and 

 travel-stained, was Julius! Before his lips 

 reached my face, I mentally exclaimed, 



" How glad I am that Bruno and I have stayed 



