But if Guy Traverse had no knowledge of this letter he was present when Gussie held out the answer across the table, with the words: 

“Here is an extra heavy letter from over the sea, Dexie, and that bold handwriting tells the identity of the writer at a glance, so there is no use to deny that it is from Lancy Gurney.”

Guy saw no hope for him in the flushed face, and Dexie hurried from the room as soon as she had grasped the letter from Gussie’s hand.

But Guy Traverse had no need to be so cast down, if he had only known it, for the letter said: 

“I begin to fear that you are gifted with second-sight, and it is with shame I confess that I have not kept ‘honor bright’ with you.  I was afraid you would not understand if I began to explain the matter, but your own confession has made it easier.  I can hardly tell you what has happened, Dexie—­it has all come about so suddenly that I hardly realize it myself; but I was thrown from a vicious horse while visiting at a country-seat, and was taken up insensible, and when I opened my eyes I found a sweet heart bending over me; but believe me, Dexie, I did not know it was so until her own lips confessed it, and she has become very dear to me since.  But I have been in misery when I thought how you would despise me, and I feared your scorn.  I shall always care for you, Dexie, as you care for me, and I am glad to know that the music still holds us together.  I have a request to make, and if you will grant it I shall know that the admission in this letter has not wounded you.  Do not send back the ring, but keep it and wear it occasionally.  I have had a counterpart made of the little charm which I enclose in this, and I shall always keep it in memory of the happy hours we have spent together.”

Dexie read this letter over a good many times before she laid it away under lock and key; but when she did so she took from its hiding-place the ring she had not looked at for months, and slipped it upon her finger.

“Yes, I will keep it and wear it, now that it means only friendship; of course he does not wish to have it back.  I am so glad he has found someone else.  He will never forget me, I am sure—­I know that by my own feelings for him; but if he had kept me to my promise I—­” but she finished the sentence in the innermost recesses of her heart.

Dexie’s reply gave Lancy a feeling of relief.  He must explain to his parents the change in his feelings, and he feared they would consider that he had wronged Dexie Sherwood; but her letters would prove the contrary, for did she not say: