Miss Dexie eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 576 pages of information about Miss Dexie.

Miss Dexie eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 576 pages of information about Miss Dexie.

“Dexie, tell me honestly, do you wish me to cease visiting here?”

“No, Mr. Traverse;” then after a pause, “papa would miss you.”

“But I do not come here on purpose to see your father; you know that very well, Dexie,” and the tender, reproachful tone made Dexie droop her head still lower.

“Have I offended you, Dexie, that you are so cool and distant with me?”

“No, you have not.”

“Then is it because you dislike me that you will not speak a word to me?  Is that why you are so silent, Dexie?”

No answer came from Dexie’s lips, but she shook her head in reply.  “What is it, Dexie that has come between us—­there is something, is there not?”

“Did you ask me here on purpose to catechise me?” recovering her voice at last.  “Then I wish you ‘good evening,’” and she turned to leave him.

But Guy stepped quickly before her and seized the hand that reached for the door.

“Do not dismiss me so curtly, Dexie, but shake hands when you bid me ‘good-bye’ to-night.”

Dexie laid her hand in his, and he held it close, while for one brief moment her eyes were raised to his, then as quickly averted; but that was all Guy needed—­the secret was his at last.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

The next afternoon, while “the twins” were out with their mother on a shopping expedition, Mr. Traverse called at the house, and tapped lightly at the door of Mr. Sherwood’s room.

“Ah!  Traverse, is that you?  Glad to see you,” said Mr. Sherwood.  “I was just wishing that someone would come in.  The girls are out, and Jarvis is outside rattling among the dishes, and there is not a soul to speak to.  Take a seat and be comfortable; the girls will soon be home, I expect.”

“I did not come to see the girls this time, Mr. Sherwood,” said Guy, smiling.  “I knew they were out, met them in a store down town, so came upon purpose to catch you alone.”

“Well, that is good of you, Traverse; it is intolerably slow to be cooped up here all day, not sick enough to stay in bed, and not well enough to be moved about.  Any news?”

“I have not read the day’s papers yet,” and he pulled them out of his pocket, and tossed them on a table near.  “You can look up the news yourself by and by.  I have come to have a talk with you this afternoon, Mr. Sherwood, and to ask a favor.  I hope you are sufficiently acquainted with me by this time to grant me this favor, without taking much time to consider the matter.  I presume you have guessed that my frequent visits here are due to something more than the friendship I feel for yourself,” and he smiled down at Mr. Sherwood, adding:  “I have come to ask for the hand of your daughter.”

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Project Gutenberg
Miss Dexie from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.