“Long enough to make up my mind that Gussie shall never get the chance to insult you again as she has done in my hearing.  Dexie! it makes my blood boil to know that you are treated in this manner!  You must come away with me!  I cannot leave you in the house after hearing those words said to you.  You must not refuse, darling!” and he wiped away her tears and kissed the white face in his arms.

“Oh, Guy! if you only would take me,” she sobbed.  “I was just going to send for you, and beg of you to take me at once.”

“I ran in to tell you that I am called to the city on business, and must go on the 5.30 train, so come with me, darling.  I have a married sister living in Boston, who will make you right welcome, and we will be married as soon as the ceremony can be performed.  Will you agree to this plan, my darling?”

“Yes, and bless you for the chance of getting away so quickly; but oh, Guy!  I seem to be all alone since papa died!” and the tears fell afresh.

“You will not be able to say that in a few hours’ time, dear; but I must hasten—­I have an appointment at my office this minute.  I will be back for you in less than an hour, and will see your mother then.  Now, go and get ready for your journey, my little wifie,” and with a tender embrace he hurried away, and Dexie flew upstairs to her room.

She had barely time to lock the door when Gussie came towards it.

“Open this door at once,” she said, as she found it locked.  “Mamma says you are to go to the kitchen and finish the work, and if you make any more fuss about it you will be sorry for it.”

No answer, for Dexie had swiftly turned the contents of her trunk out on the floor, in one promiscuous heap, and was repacking it with a swift and practised hand.

“Do you hear what I say, Dexter, or shall I repeat it?”

“I have resigned my place in the kitchen, Gussie,” came the reply, “and do not intend to enter it again; besides, I have accepted a better situation since I saw you downstairs.  I am packing my trunk to leave the house, so you see I cannot be disturbed.”

Gussie stood dumb with astonishment at this unexpected announcement, but of course it could not be true!

“Oh! never mind your high tragedy airs just now; open the door at once.”

“I fancy that the tragedy part of this performance will be enacted by yourself, Gussie,” was the reply.  “I shall not open the door till I get my clothes packed; if you choose to wait till I am done, pray do so.  I will not be any longer than I can help, as I intend to take the first train for the city.”

Gussie applied her eye to the keyhole, and the limited view she had of the room was enough to convince her that Dexie was certainly packing her trunk, and she flew to her mother’s room with the news.

Mrs. Sherwood could not believe it.  Leave the house just when they needed her the most!  Impossible!  She sent Gussie back to the door with a peremptory message for Dexie to come to her room immediately.