“I had too much else to do, Gussie, as you might know if you would give the matter a thought.  You must see after them yourself, Gussie—­while we are without a girl, anyway.”

“We will just see about that!  I never had to iron my clothes yet, and I am not going to begin now.  I want my tucked skirts to-morrow, so see that you have them ready for me,” and she rose to leave the room as if the matter settled.

“You will find your clothes in the basket, Gussie, whenever you choose to iron them,” Dexie quietly replied, unmoved by Gussie’s insolent manner, “and remember, Gussie, I positively refuse to do them for you again—­never once again, remember!”

Glancing out the window she saw Guy Traverse approaching the house, and not wishing him to see Gussie in her present humor she took her hat, intending to meet him at the door and take him to the garden; but her mother called her just then, and when she came downstairs Guy was standing in the hall.

“You are not going out, surely, Dexie?” said Gussie, coming out to see who she was talking to.  “Mamma would not let you go if she knew that you refused to do what I told you.  It would be better for you to go to the kitchen and finish your work, instead of gadding about with the men.”

“My work is done for the day, Gussie; it is your work that is waiting in the kitchen,” and she hurried down the steps, with Guy closely following, his face dark with anger at the insulting words he had heard used to his promised wife.

“And this is the way they treat you, my darling!” he said, as he reached her side.  “I understand why you never want me to come in and spend an hour with you; you are afraid I shall hear how they talk to you.  I have a good mind to take you to the minister’s this very afternoon, and make you my wife, so I can look after you.”

“Do not mind it, Guy,” trying to keep back the tears.  “Gussie was vexed because she did not find her clothes done up for her as usual.”

“And she is actually imposing on you to such an extent as that, is she?  That explains that pale, tired face!  My dear little girl, I cannot allow it!  Do you love me well enough to come and live in a set of rooms until we can get a decent house ready?” and he looked tenderly into her face.

“I could live happy with you in one room, Guy, if I could leave home, but I cannot do that just yet.  I must stay until Mr. Hackett comes back.  I know they cannot do without me just now, dear.  I would go with you willingly if I could, for I feel so tired and discouraged.  Mamma thinks I neglect her if I am not constantly waiting upon her; but there are the children to see to.  They are good little things, but they take up the time, you know, and the hours seem to more than fly.”

“But if you were not there, dear, perhaps your mother would rouse herself; and I do think that would do her more good than all the doctoring she is getting, and Gussie should be able to be of as much assistance as yourself.”