“I can’t be the same as I used to be, Lancy.  Something is different, and I’m so afraid someone will make remarks about us if we are so much together as we used to be.”

“What kind of remarks? tell me, Dexie.  Something we would be ashamed to hear?” and he smiled into her distressed face.

“You know what I mean very well, Lancy, and I couldn’t bear it.”

“Did you ever hear any remarks before—­before that snowstorm?”

“No!  I never thought there was anything to make remarks about, but I have been looking at things differently lately.”

“In what way, Dexie?  Do tell me?” and he caught her hands in a firm clasp.

“Don’t, Lancy!  Please stop!  There has been enough said and done already to make people talk if they knew about it.”

“Only a few words, and one little kiss, that was all, Dexie.  If the thought of what people might say keeps us apart, you are very foolish, for if we were never to speak to each other again we would be accused of having had a ‘lover’s quarrel,’ so don’t keep me at a distance any longer on that account.  You are making us both miserable for nothing; for I don’t believe you are enjoying yourself a bit under the new rule that you have set up.  Confess now, are you? honor bright, Dexie?” and he looked eagerly into her eyes.

“Well, no, Lancy,” and she looked up with a smile.  “It isn’t quite so nice as it used to be, and I have stayed home several times when I wanted to go out.  I am not shy, naturally, you know, and I would have asked for your escort if there had not been reasons to prevent me.  Hugh has been very anxious to show his gallantry, but nothing would tempt me to go three steps with that big Frenchman.”

“Well, I wish Hugh could hear you say that, Dexie, for I was beginning to feel jealous.  He talks so much about you I was afraid he had entered the lists against me.”

“Lancy, what nonsense you talk!  Hugh is Gussie’s particular property.  What made you fancy that I had stepped into her shoes?”

“Nothing that need vex you, Dexie, so don’t frown; but he told me in confidence, you know, that you were—­but there; it was in confidence, so I won’t repeat what he said.  I know he cares more for you than for Gussie, and the fact don’t please me very well.”

Dexie was silent for some minutes.  The remembrance of certain looks and speeches that Hugh had lately addressed to her were now explained; he thought she had quarrelled with Lancy, and he was anxious to take Lancy’s place.  She lifted her eyes, saying: 

“Hugh shall have no chance to think any such a thing.  But I know how it has happened.  Gussie had no eyes for anyone else while that Plaisted was here, so I had to entertain Hugh occasionally; but dear me! how soft he must be, if my foolish songs have turned his brain.”

And then, looking shyly into his eyes, she added, “I won’t run away from you any more, Lancy.  We will go back to our old ways, but don’t talk any more nonsense to me, and we will be chums again.  Is it a bargain, Lancy?”