“Well, not exactly for your health, my dear, but for Elsie’s,” she replied, as she looked into the laughing face before her.  “When I think of the double benefit your companionship would be to her, I wonder that the thought did not occur to me before.”

“Oh!  Mrs. Gurney, I feel so ashamed,” and Dexie covered her hot cheeks for a moment with her hands.  “I never intended to suggest such a thing when I made such a thoughtless remark.  Oh! what can you think of me!  Indeed I only said it to make Elsie laugh.”

“There, there; of course I understood your bit of fun,” and Mrs. Gurney patted the blushing girl on her shoulder, “but when a suggestion made in sport brings such a change in Elsie’s looks, how much good would result if the jest were turned to earnest.”

“But imagine me going to Mrs. Fremont’s when she is not aware of my existence!  I couldn’t pass myself off as Cora, for I am too unlike any of the family.  Indeed, I fear my wickedness would soon betray me,” her embarrassment giving place to a mischievous air.

“If I write and introduce you, you can feel as sure of as hearty a welcome as if you were one of my family.  But we must not make plans till we consult your parents,” said Mrs. Gurney, turning to leave the room.

“Oh!  Dexie, if you only would come with me, it would make all the difference in the world,” said Elsie.  “A weight seems lifted off my heart at the thought.”

“Yes, but look at all the nice dresses you are getting made.  You would find me a very shabby companion, for I never dare ask mamma for a new dress unless Gussie is in need of one also; but now that papa is home I might manage that difficulty, and I am quite sure of Aunt Jennie’s help.”

Mrs. Gurney was soon discussing the matter with the parents next door, making much of the great favor it would be to herself if they would spare Dexie to accompany Elsie to Charlottetown.  Consent was readily granted, though Mrs. Sherwood could not refrain from expressing a fear that the necessary preparations would be rather troublesome, as she did not feel able to make any extra exertion herself.

Mrs. Sherwood was quite an invalid, or at least she thought she was, which amounted to about the same thing.  Necessity did not compel her to bestir herself very much, so she began to think she could not, and she was generally found lying on a sofa with a book as companion.

Dexie’s absence from home would be rather a pleasant relief than otherwise, as she had an unpleasant way of finding unfinished work and laying it in a work-basket by her mother’s side for completion.  Dexie’s brisk ways and ceaseless activity were extremely annoying, as it seemed a continual reproach to Mrs. Sherwood, who preferred the easy, languid movements of her twin sister.

No one raised any objections to Mrs. Gurney’s plans except Gussie, and her objections were many and loudly expressed.