“Why couldn’t he take Gussie?  She wants him and I don’t,” she answered with a frown.  “I am sure Gussie told me she was all but engaged to him.  He doesn’t want the both of us, I hope.”

“Dexie, I am sorry to say that Gussie has not acted so well about this matter as I could wish.  She makes no secret of the fact that she would gladly accept the position he offers you, and it annoys him.  Hugh confessed to me that at one time he did think he cared for Gussie, but found his mistake, and he has been so open with me about it that I cannot blame him for the change.  Think it well over, Dexie, before he talks to you himself.  A handsome man like Hugh, with a good bank account, will not come in your way very often.  He offered to make a handsome settlement on you, directly you promised him your hand.”

“Dear papa, would you like your poor Dexie to be unhappy for life?” throwing her arms around his neck.  “I am sure you would not,” as he drew her closer to him.  “I could never marry Hugh; his very presence makes me feel pugnacious, and I feel like picking a quarrel with him every time I speak to him, and I enjoy doing it, too.”

“Well, in that case it would not be pleasant to live your life with him, would it? but still it seems a pity to lose the money when he seems so anxious to put it into your hands.  Your life would be so different with money at your command.  If it were only Gussie, now.”

“Yes, if it were only Gussie everything would go smoothly while the money lasted; but you did not tell me the result of the interview, papa.”

“I told him I would leave the matter for you to settle, but I gave my consent, if he gained yours.  I think he would be good to you, Dexie.”

“Well!  I guess he would have to, if he once got me, or I would know the reason why!  What does mamma say about it, for I suppose she knows?”

“She seems much put out that it is not Gussie he asks for, but she hopes you will not be so foolish as to throw the chance away.  That is the opinion of the both of us, you see, so do not decide hastily, Dexie.”

“Dear me, how provoking it is!  Mamma will be vexed, and I cannot help it, for I really cannot say I consent when I feel such a dislike to the man.  Some young ladies would see nothing but his fortune; but think, papa, we might live for fifty years! and I can’t look forward to fifty years of life spent with Hugh McNeil.  So tell him for me, papa, that it cannot be.”

“Take time to think it over, Dexie, before he gets any answer, for Hugh will be much disappointed if you refuse him.  I promised to plead his cause for him, but I cannot do so against your inclinations, since it will be you alone who must live your life with him.  But, Dexie, many people live happily together without loving each other overmuch, so do not think it impossible for you to do the same.  Do you care so very much for Lancy Gurney?” he asked, after a pause.