(They were driving back to Mrs. Graham’s, where a few friends had been invited to meet them before they left for a short trip.)

“Yes, indeed,” was the reply; “and I think we will enjoy it in a greater degree than if we were surrounded by a crowd of distracting friends, though I believe it is usually considered the one time in a person’s life when friends are most appreciated.  Why it should be so I cannot see, if all love is like ours.  I have obtained my heart’s desire at last.  This happy day has been long delayed, but is none the less dear for the waiting, and you can never say again that you feel ‘alone’ in the world.”

Dexie gave him a grateful look, as there was no time for words before the carriage stopped at Mrs. Graham’s hospitable doorway, where smiling faces awaited them.  Kisses and congratulations were not wanting, and the few friends who had accompanied them to church followed them into the house.  A few hours later the happy married pair left for New York, where they spent a pleasant season viewing the sights of the metropolis.

On returning to Boston, Guy was offered a position in a large establishment, the headquarters of the firm, doing business in Lennoxville, in which he was previously engaged.  This arrangement proved agreeable to all parties, and made it unnecessary for Dexie to return to the scene of her former trials.

Dexie soon found herself mistress of a charming little house, situated in one of Boston’s beautiful suburbs, where her windows looked out on a lovely prospect.  Here the time flew by so rapidly in caring for her dainty rooms and blossoming borders that her thoughts seldom dwelt on the unhappy weeks which preceded her marriage.

It was a delightful surprise when the dear old piano came with the rest of her belongings from home, but the grateful letter of thanks which Mrs. Sherwood received was tossed aside without a word, though the letter had not failed to touch the mother’s heart.

The piano had been a silent rebuke, and Mrs. Sherwood had been pleased to remove it out of her sight, wishing in her heart that the memories which troubled her could be as easily banished.

But no other piano could have been half so dear to the heart of Dexie, and when she sat down before her beloved instrument the first chords she struck brought happy tears.  It was like the greeting of a dear friend long absent.  Little wonder her fingers lingered lovingly over the keys as piece followed piece.

“Dexie,” said Guy, coming over to her side and leaning one arm on the piano, “do you remember playing for your father and me one evening and refusing us a certain piece?  I have often wondered at the reason of that refusal.  May I ask if you will play it for me now, darling?”

Dexie dropped her hands into her lap and lifted a flushed face to her husband’s gaze.

“Dear Guy, I wish you had not asked me, for I do not think I can.”