d 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?"

Lancy bent nearer to the curly head that was bent to hide her blushing
face, then, seizing her hands, held her close as he whispered, in a tender
voice:

"That's my Dexie ba