Louie’s home-coming made a difference that was quite remarkable in Gussie also.  She took so much for granted that Gussie was constrained to exert herself.  It was rather amusing to watch Gussie’s face when Louie would say, as they rose from the breakfast table: 

“Now, Gussie, come on.  I’m not going to be a mere visitor, you know; so I’ll help you set the rooms in order.  You will be no time over them, with my help;” and not wishing it to be known that all such things were left to Dexie, she would follow Louie, and join in the task for very shame sake.

But Dexie enjoyed Louie’s visit more than anyone, for she not only kept Gussie’s hands employed, but her presence forbade the continual fault-finding which she had hitherto freely indulged in; for Louie was a person of some consequence, being the heiress of considerable property, as well as possessor of a bank book that she was at liberty to use at her own discretion, and this had much influence over Gussie.

Louie soon remarked the frequent visits of Guy Traverse, but was puzzled at first to account for them.  Gussie had told her that he was engaged to a young lady in the city, and was only a particular friend of her father’s; but this did not prevent Louie from forming her own opinion on the matter.

She asked her mother one day, as she brushed out her hair, how it was that her father had become so attached to such a young man, and if there were not some other reason to account for his frequent visits.

“He was with your father when he was hurt, and your father thinks he saved his life at the risk of his own, so I daresay that may account for the attachment.  I did hope at one time that Gussie might be able to secure him; they would make a nice-looking couple.  I have thought sometimes that he pays Dexie sufficient attention to warrant her in thinking he means something serious, but Hugh McNeil has some claim on her; he has been to see her lately.  You remember he had quite a fortune left him.  I expect she will keep a fine establishment when she is married.  But I know nothing about her affairs; she was always close-mouthed, and she is sure to do something entirely different from what you expect.”

“But, mamma, this Mr. Traverse seems to be more than just friendly to Dexie.  I am sure he is with her every chance he gets.”

“Oh! that is nothing; he is seldom in her company outside of her father’s room.  Besides, he is going to be married to someone in the city.  He said as much before us all.  I am sure Dexie does not care for him in that way.  If you had heard the way she used to talk to him, you would see at once that his visits mean nothing to her.”

“Nevertheless, mother, I have my suspicions,” said the quick-witted girl, as she left the room.

“I’ll corner Dexie sometime, see if I don’t,” she said to herself.  “If there is any love-making going on in this house, it will be a funny thing if I do not find it out!”