her
reason that she would like to knock a little common-sense into her _double_
before she left Halifax, for fear people might think that Nina was her
exact counterpart in everything.

CHAPTER XXXII.

One day, as Dexie was going to the post office, she met Miss Taylor, and
the memory of the adventure in the snowstorm with Lancy and Elsie rose
vividly before her mind as she grasped the outstretched hand in friendly
greeting.

"I am in such a dilemma, Miss Sherwood!" she exclaimed. "I drove into
Halifax with a neighbor, and he was to meet me an hour ago; but I have
discovered that his usual absent-mindedness has caused him to forget all
about me. I am at my wit's end, for mother will be alarmed at my absence."

"Come home with me, Miss Taylor. Oh! you must," as a refusal rose to her
lips, "and if you really _must_ return home to-night, it can easily be
managed, I know."

After much persuasion, Miss Taylor accompanied Dexie home; and as she
explained the necessity of returning that night, Mrs. Gurney told Lancy to
order the horse and buggy and drive her out.

Lancy seconded Miss Taylor's request that Dexie should drive out with them,
and the gay little party reached the Taylor homestead about sundown,
greatly to the surprise and relief of Mrs. Taylor, who feared that Susan
might try and walk the distance rather than miss the evening's festivities;
for there was to be a marriage in the family that night, and Susan had been
obliged to hasten to the city for some necessary trifles that had been
forgotten until the last moment. Lancy and Dexie stayed until after the
ceremony, but, having a long drive before them, declined the kind
invitation to linger.

As they drove homewards the conversation turned on the intending departure
of the family from Halifax.

"I have been waiting for a chance to have a good talk with you, Dexie, ever
since I heard you were going away; but there has been so much going on that
I never seem to see you alone a minute. Are you sorry to go, Dexie?"

"Yes, indeed I am. I have found Halifax so pleasant that I shall always
regret leaving it."

"But you are coming back sometime, you know, Dexie? I am sure you know I am
constantly looking forward to the time when you will be my wife. We
understand each other, do we not?"

"Well, I am not sure that we do, Lancy. I doubt if we look at things in the
same light," and she gave a quick glance into the face that was regarding
her so earnestly