“That is only the first part of the letter, but it contains news enough for a dozen,” said Dexie, as she laid the closely-written sheets on the table before her.  “I am sure you see now what a trouble my marriage has been to dear Mrs. Gurney.”

“Yet we imagined it was a very quiet affair, eh, Dexie?” regarding her with an amused smile:  “However, do not take it so seriously, darling.  Things have, no doubt, quieted down by now, and everyone will not see Hugh’s wife and home with Elsie’s eyes.”

“But I have not finished the letter yet; wait till you hear the rest.”

“There is a postscript, I suppose, and like every other woman’s letter, it needs to be read first,” was the smiling reply.  “Well, let us hear the conclusion of the matter.”

Taking up the remaining pages, Dexie read: 

“I was called downstairs to see Mrs. McNeil, who was in the parlor and had asked to see me especially, and as my eyes rested upon her the word ‘Dexie’ sprang to my lips.  She had on your garnet velvet suit, and looked as well in it as ever you did.  I intended to treat her very coolly, for I had not forgiven Hugh, though I have been to church twice since he offended me; but she was so very friendly, and so anxious to make amends for Hugh’s behavior, that my coolness melted away.  She begged me to try and like her ‘for Dexie’s sake,’ and as Hugh had sent regrets for his hasty words and wished me to run in as freely as I did in the old times, I feel as if I can repeat the responses in church this evening without feeling so terribly wicked over it.  I fancy, from what Nina says, that Hugh is often quite stern and cold in his way of speaking to her, and she admitted that he has already made her cry.  I feel very sorry for her, for I did not know when I began this letter why Hugh was so put out at your marriage, but I do now, and I think that since you would not have Lancy it is a good thing that you are safely married; but take care that Hugh does not run away with you some day.  He is quite equal to it yet.”

“There is no danger of that,” said Guy, referring to the concluding passage.  “I can read another story between the lines of Elsie’s letter, and I think, dear, that Hugh’s wife will not blame you if her marriage should not prove a happy one.”

“I hope you are right, Guy; but how could I bear it if I thought you married me just because I resembled someone that you knew and loved, but could not marry,” and she put her arms around his neck and looked into his eyes.

“But you know that my heart has been yours since I first saw you, so why need you borrow trouble, my little wife?  There! lie still in my arms and rest content,” drawing her close to his breast with a tenderness that gave a fresh assurance of his love.