“Perhaps you are right, Guy, but it does not seem right for me to leave them now, and so soon after papa’s death, too,” and her eyes filled again.

“But you know your father said we were not to let that delay our marriage, dear.  I feel quite sure he knew you would not have a happy life, so wished you under my protection.”

“Don’t tempt me anymore, Guy,” said the quivering lips.  “You do not know how my heart cries out for the comfort and relief that you offer me.  I know very well I am only tolerated at home on account of my usefulness, but they do not understand what it would be like if I were not there.  Gussie has not the necessary practice to make her the help she might be, and mamma would be sure to suffer if I left them before the new help arrives.  Besides, Guy, I have not had time to prepare a thing for myself yet,” she added, in a low, shy voice.

“You have not had time to get the rest you need, darling, and that is of more account than anything else.  You must not think I am going to let you stay home and have Gussie abuse you while you make up a lot of finery.  Be my little wife in earnest, darling, and whatever you want you can get just as easily after you are married as before.  I never could see the sense in women making up such a quantity of new clothes just before their marriage; it always looks to me as if they were afraid their future husbands would not give them what they required when they were married.”

“Let me speak to your mother to-day, Dexie, dear,” he added, “and I will tell her that it was your father’s wish that we should not delay our marriage; and I must insist that you be used with more consideration.  I really cannot let matters go on without some protest; it would not be right for me to allow it, either.”

“Very well, Guy, do as you think best; they cannot make it much more uncomfortable than it is at present.”

But in this Dexie found she was mistaken.

Mrs. Sherwood listened to Guy’s manly and straightforward declaration in silence, though her raised eyebrows showed something of her surprise as well as displeasure.  She admitted she had no right to refuse her permission for their marriage if her father approved of it, but it was “quite like Dexie to keep her in ignorance of the true state of affairs.”  Of course, the marriage must not take place for some months yet.  The impropriety of it so soon after her father’s death was quite shocking, even to hear it suggested; besides, Dexie could not be spared from home.  When Guy reminded her that Dexie should have the rest she evidently needed, her manner became icy at once, though she kept her indignation well in check until Guy had left the house.

“So you have been complaining to Mr. Traverse, have you?” she said angrily to Dexie.  “We will see hereafter if you do not have something to complain about!  If you are thinking of getting married to Mr. Traverse on purpose to shirk your duties at home, I will see to it that you earn your wedding while you are home.  As for being married in the near future, your father’s death will certainly forbid that, and I think Mr. Traverse will find that you are still under my authority, and that I am not quite so fond of him as your father was.”