sta" was reproof in itself, and Gussie felt it instantly,
and she shivered as she looked up and met the flashing eyes of her sister.

"No," she replied, her cheeks aflame, but angry spite dies hard, and she
smiled scornfully, as she added, "I was amusing the company with a specimen
of love-making that is rare outside of novels. It is your letter, I
believe."

Before Dexie could reply, Guy Traverse had risen to his feet, and coming
towards the table so that his form partly shielded Dexie from view, said:

"If you have read all you wish of my letter, Miss Gussie, I beg you will
return it to me," and he took it from her hand and thrust it into his
breast-pocket; then turning a woeful face to the astonished guests, he
said:

"Friends, have mercy on a fellow when he is down, and forget what you heard
just now. It was too bad of you, Miss Gussie, to expose a poor fellow's
feelings in that way. I ought to have posted my broken-hearted appeal
before I came in here, but I thought I might be able to think of some
stronger language that would touch the hard heart of my lady-love. I am not
in luck, as you can guess; but do not, I beg of you, let it go any farther.
I appeal to you, as members of T. and B., to keep this matter quiet and not
let it be talked about. Boys, you know how it is yourselves," and in
seeming embarrassment he turned to the window and remained in the shadow of
the curtain.

"Oh! I beg your pardon, Mr. Traverse," Gussie gasped out, properly ashamed
for once. "I never imagined the letter was yours," and hiding her burning
cheeks in her hands she hurriedly left the room and flew to her chamber,
wondering how she could ever look those people again in the face.

Traverse had given Dexie time to recover herself, and in a steadier voice
than she could have commanded a few moments before, she asked the friends
to drop their work, and come into the next room for refreshments.

This was a welcome interruption to all; everyone felt glad to hide the
uncomfortable feeling that Gussie's act had thrown over them, and merry
groups formed in the dining-room as Dexie passed among them. The
uncomfortable scene in the parlor was put out of sight, if not out of
mind, and no one wondered that Guy Traverse did not make his appearance
amongst them.

As soon as Dexie saw she would not be missed for a few moments, she ran up
to Gussie's room.

"Come down at once, Gussie. You cannot stay away from our guests without
making your