But, figuratively speaking, she had just done so, and if she had seen the grieved look on Hugh’s face as he groped his way out the front door, she would have realized that her slap had struck home.

Gussie felt indignant, as she stood in the hall recalling the scene just passed.  Hugh had left her without a word, but she could plainly see that the blame was not on Dexie’s shoulders this time.

“I do believe he cares for Dexie, after all; what else could his words imply?  But she does not care for him, that is plain; and it will be a strange thing if I cannot arrange matters so that he cannot help but offer himself.  After what he said to papa, I know he wants to marry one of us, and I will see that it shall be myself.”

The next day Dexie had a long talk with her father.  She had called him aside to give him the letter she had copied from the one in Plaisted’s handwriting, and when she had explained the circumstances Mr. Sherwood was much astonished, and praised her for her thoughtfulness in securing an exact copy.

“I will write to the parties in question and forbid the payment of any money to him, but I will say nothing to Plaisted about the matter at present.  I will keep a sharp lookout, and directly he tries to put his plans into execution I will bring him up short.  Thank you, my little woman, you have done a lucky stroke of business for me; but stay a minute,” as Dexie rose to leave the room, “I want to ask you something.  How much do you care for Hugh McNeil?” said he, as she came over to his side.

“Why, papa, what makes you ask such a question?  Didn’t you make a mistake in the name?” she said, archly.  “Didn’t you mean to say—­Lancy Gurney?”

“No; I have a guess that way.  But how about Hugh?  Come, I have a reason for asking,” and he drew her down to his knee.  “Think a minute, and tell me.”

“But, papa, I don’t need to think a moment in order to answer that question.  I don’t like him at all.  You should ask Gussie that question.”

“I need not, for I think I know what her answer would be; but I have a little story to tell you, and I want you to give it serious consideration.  As soon as Hugh McNeil knew about the money coming to him, he asked me for a private interview.  From what Gussie said, I expected that he intended to ask for her.  But Hugh was very straightforward, and made the whole matter plain, and, Dexie, he asked for the liberty of making you his wife.  He said he was willing to wait any reasonable time for you, if only he had the promise of your hand in the end.”

“Papa! you never told him yes! say you did not!” cried Dexie, springing to her feet and regarding him with beseeching eyes.  “My dear, I could not; so do not look so frightened about it,” and he drew her back to his side again.  “I am not willing to give my little girl to anyone yet, but I am not insensible to the fact that a man who loves my daughter as Hugh professes to love you, and can provide for her so handsomely, is worthy of some consideration.”