ear your own name repeated in its most
obnoxious form. I find there is nothing more effective for a man of your
stamp than to treat him as he delights to treat others. It is through my
exertions that you have _enjoyed_ yourself so much to-day, and if you ever
wish to have the pleasure repeated, just call me 'Dexter,' and I'll do my
best to repeat the entertainment."

Everyone looked at Dexie in surprise, and fearing that Plaisted might still
have doubts as to her meaning, she swept him an elaborate courtesy, as she
said:

"Good-bye, my dear Shadrach! don't forget in the future that 'I hold the
whip-handle, dear Shadrach, my Shad!'" and before the family realized what
this scene meant, Dexie had left the room and her voice was heard in the
hall singing:

"Farewell to thee, oh Shadrach! my dearest Shad, adieu;
But Dexter has hereafter the upper hand of you."

Plaisted was about to spring after her when Mr. Sherwood caught his arm.

"What does all this mean, Plaisted? Explain yourself, sir!"

"It means that I am the victim of the most diabolical practical joke that
was ever perpetrated on an individual, and it appears that Miss Dexie is at
the bottom of it, though you have all assisted her in carrying it out."

"If there is any joke afloat I am entirely ignorant of it, Plaisted, I
assure you," said Mr. Sherwood. "I see that something is amiss, but I have
no idea what it is, though apparently Dexie is not so innocent."

"Let me explain," cried Mr. Plaisted. "Miss Dexie has, in some way, found
out what my second name is, and that it is as hateful to me as 'Dexter' is
to her, and she has made it the subject of a very cruel joke. As I supposed
that nobody knew my full name, you can judge of my surprise when I
received this from the office," and he held forth the valentine.

"Oh! that's only a valentine, Plaisted. You surely did not allow such a
little thing to disturb you?" said Mr. Sherwood.

"But see what the envelope contains," he urged, bringing out the bedecked
fish.

But if he expected any sympathy, he was disappointed, for when Mr.
Sherwood's eyes rested on the figure and read the lines beneath, shout
after shout of laughter rang through the room, and when Gussie stepped over
to see what the paper contained her shrill laughter joined the chorus.

"Well, it serves you just right, Mr. Plaisted," said she. "I told you she
would make you repent it if you used her name so freely. But I wonder how
she found o