g to the end of the hall, and an angry flush rose
in her cheeks as she exclaimed, hotly:

"Tell Mr. Ross that I--"

"Dexie, my dear, your promise," came the quiet words from Mrs. Gurney.

"Oh! do forgive me, this once more, Mrs. Gurney," and Dexie rushed after
the ill-used flowers; then, in a changed voice, gave the message:

"Tell Mr. Ross that I appreciate his compliments--oh! highly," and she made
a grimace, "also his flowers. They smell nice--what is left of them; but
I--oh, papa!--I can't see him. Must I go and hear him talk when the very
thought of him makes me angry? Make him go away and leave me. I have
promised to do the best I can to-night. What more can he ask?"

"You need not see him unless you choose; I will take him your excuses," and
he left the house, and returned to Mr. Ross.

"I have brought her excuses in place of herself, and you must rest content
with that, Mr. Ross. I think it will not be best to risk the chance of a
second refusal, and but for Mrs. Gurney's interference I would have had to
bring it, I fear. Let it pass till some other time and take no notice of
any coolness she may show to-night, for that public announcement has cut
her deeply."

"I am grieved to hear it, Mr. Sherwood; I will endeavor to atone for it at
some future time," and with a few parting words he left the house. Very
pretty was the picture that the young girls made, as they fluttered about
the rooms helping each other to put the finishing touches to their toilets.
Gussie's pink and white complexion looked lovelier than ever when set off
with a suit in which pale blue and white lace formed the chief parts. Dexie
seemed like a gleam of summer sunshine as she fluttered here and there; her
pretty suit had been draped with some gauzy material, that glistened and
sparkled as the light fell through its folds. The long sleeves had been
replaced by short lace ones, trimmed to match the pretty lace bertha, and
the long handsome gloves quite completed her costume.

"There, I believe we are all ready at last," said Dexie, as she picked up
her neglected flowers. "Let me fasten this cluster of rosebuds in your
belt, Cora, as the finishing touch; then I will make a _boutonniere_ for
Lancy's coat."

"Why, Dexie, you are spoiling your bouquet!" and Cora seized her hand. "I
cannot rob you of your flowers."

"But you will take them as a gift, Cora, since they are so beautiful. It
would be a pity not to use them. I do not intend to c