The words cut the air like a flash of steel.

That word “Augusta” was reproof in itself, and Gussie felt it instantly, and she shivered as she looked up and met the flashing eyes of her sister.

“No,” she replied, her cheeks aflame, but angry spite dies hard, and she smiled scornfully, as she added, “I was amusing the company with a specimen of love-making that is rare outside of novels.  It is your letter, I believe.”

Before Dexie could reply, Guy Traverse had risen to his feet, and coming towards the table so that his form partly shielded Dexie from view, said: 

“If you have read all you wish of my letter, Miss Gussie, I beg you will return it to me,” and he took it from her hand and thrust it into his breast-pocket; then turning a woeful face to the astonished guests, he said: 

“Friends, have mercy on a fellow when he is down, and forget what you heard just now.  It was too bad of you, Miss Gussie, to expose a poor fellow’s feelings in that way.  I ought to have posted my broken-hearted appeal before I came in here, but I thought I might be able to think of some stronger language that would touch the hard heart of my lady-love.  I am not in luck, as you can guess; but do not, I beg of you, let it go any farther.  I appeal to you, as members of T. and B., to keep this matter quiet and not let it be talked about.  Boys, you know how it is yourselves,” and in seeming embarrassment he turned to the window and remained in the shadow of the curtain.

“Oh!  I beg your pardon, Mr. Traverse,” Gussie gasped out, properly ashamed for once.  “I never imagined the letter was yours,” and hiding her burning cheeks in her hands she hurriedly left the room and flew to her chamber, wondering how she could ever look those people again in the face.

Traverse had given Dexie time to recover herself, and in a steadier voice than she could have commanded a few moments before, she asked the friends to drop their work, and come into the next room for refreshments.

This was a welcome interruption to all; everyone felt glad to hide the uncomfortable feeling that Gussie’s act had thrown over them, and merry groups formed in the dining-room as Dexie passed among them.  The uncomfortable scene in the parlor was put out of sight, if not out of mind, and no one wondered that Guy Traverse did not make his appearance amongst them.

As soon as Dexie saw she would not be missed for a few moments, she ran up to Gussie’s room.

“Come down at once, Gussie.  You cannot stay away from our guests without making yourself look worse in their eyes.  The sooner you make amends for your unpardonable act, the better it will be for yourself.”

“Oh!  Dexie, I was never so ashamed in my life!  I never dreamt it was his letter; I thought it was yours.”

“And what business would you have to read out anybody’s letter to a company of people?  I am glad to hear that you feel ashamed, for well you may!  Come downstairs at once, unless you want everyone to cut you forever.”