“Do you think he may learn to care for someone else, or that you—­”

“I have never met anyone yet that I like better,” and she lifted her eyes to his as she said this, but she dropped them at once, and a strange, uneasy feeling possessed her that she could not understand.

“Thank you, Miss Dexie, for your confidence.  Now, let the understanding be mutual.  Will you give me the privilege you have so long denied me of being your friend and protector pro tem., as it were?  Neither you nor I have anyone here to claim our society, and I get very tired of my own company; I would like to have one special lady friend.  Will you not hereafter accept my company without that inward protest which I always feel you have for me?”

“You are very kind, Mr. Traverse, but I would prefer matters as they are.  I do not mind going about alone in the least.”

“Oh!  I know that, Miss Independence, but I mind it; so say that I may occupy the place of the absent friend, to some extent at least.  I’ll write to him and demand permission, if you object,” and he laughed pleasantly as he took her hand a moment in his own.

Just then the sound of footsteps warned them that their interview was over, and Guy rose to his feet and stood by the window as the rest entered the room.

“Hello, Traverse! we missed you in the supper-room,” and Fenerty came over to his side.  “Have you found all your persuasions in vain, Miss Dexie?” pointing to the untasted repast on the tray.

“Man alive! do you think a man’s appetite can survive everything?” said Traverse, with a frown.

“Forgive me, Traverse!  I did not mean to add to your feelings.  I don’t wonder you feel cut up,” said Fenerty, whispering his apologies.

“Mr. Fenerty, take him out in the dining-room.  My presence has prevented him from partaking of the refreshments I brought him.  Try and make him forget the unpleasantness that has occurred,” and Dexie looked up with a smile at Traverse, as he followed his friend from the room, and then turned to her other guests.

She was glad to see that Gussie was doing all she could to win her way back into favor, for she passed from group to group with a pleasant word and a smile for all.  Fingers and needles were soon busy again, and the unfinished badges were attacked with renewed vigor.

“That was a nasty trick of Miss Gussie’s, Traverse,” young Fenerty was saying, as he waited upon his friend in the dining-room, “but I am sure she never suspected that the letter belonged to you.”

“What difference did that make?  The act was unpardonable when she knew it was not her own property.  I suppose I will never hear the last of it.”

“’Pon honor, Traverse, I hope you do not think any of us are mean enough to refer to the matter again.  But come away to the rest, if you are through; they are at work again, I believe.”

“It is all right, Miss Dexie,” nodding to her as she appeared in the door.  “He will soon get over it.  Is there any objection to a little carpet dance to finish the evening?  That will make Traverse forget to be melancholy if anything will,” he added, in a low voice.