“You said they should not be so in the future; so please say no more on the subject,” and glad to escape from his earnest gaze, she rose and looked into her father’s room.

Finding him quietly sleeping, she soon returned, and folding up her finished work, laid aside the basket, then brought from a drawer a frame containing the delicate piece of needlework her father referred to, and began to pass the needle back and forth.  Presently Guy came over to her side, and stood looking down at the work in her hands; then said with a smile: 

“Is this the fine wedding present you are going to give me, Dexie?”

“I was not in earnest when I spoke, but I will not go back from my word, if you think it will be acceptable,” was the low reply.

“If that is the only thing you will give me for a wedding present, I think I won’t accept it;” then bending over her, said tenderly, “My darling!  I want you to give me yourself!”

Dexie was on her feet in a moment, her embroidery forgotten.

“Mr. Traverse! do you wish to insult me?  How little you must respect me, to speak to me like that!”

“My little girl, why will you misunderstand me?  Don’t you know that I love you with my whole heart—­will you not let me tell you?” as she shrank away from him.

“Those are strange words to say to me, Mr. Traverse, after telling us about your approaching marriage; and papa thinks you are a gentleman.”

“And you do not!” smiling at her indignant look.  “Dearest, you must let me explain,” and he came nearer.

“No!  I will hear no explanation! there can be none after what you have said!  Is it honorable to say such things to me while you are looking forward to marriage with another?” and her eyes flashed angrily.

“Dexie, you are mistaken.  Surely you do not think me such a villain!”

“What else do your words imply?”

“That I am looking forward to my marriage with you, dearest; that was what I meant to-night,” taking a step nearer, and looking at her tenderly.

“Do gentlemen usually announce their approaching marriage before saying a word to the lady in question?  I am not so easily deceived as you think, Mr. Traverse.”

“But, Dexie, you would not let me say the word, though I have sought an opportunity for weeks past.  Dearest, I have loved you since I first knew you, even during the time I thought you were promised to another.  I hid it then in my own breast; but lately, since I heard you were free, you have given me no chance to tell you of my love.  Sometimes I have felt that you knew it, Dexie, and that you were not indifferent.  To-day I asked your father’s permission to win you, and he gave his consent.”

“So I was bargained for and sold like a horse!” and her eyes flashed indignantly, “and I have nothing to say in the matter whatever!  How much was I considered worth?” Then overcome by her feelings she sank down on the sofa, and hiding her face in the cushion burst into tears.