actly a promise, Mr. Traverse; but there is a mutual understanding
that may lead to one. I think you would like my friend, particularly if you
heard him once at the piano," she replied, as her cheeks grew pink.

"Then you are not really engaged, Miss Dexie?"

"Now, Mr. Traverse, I think I have told you enough," she replied, beginning
to feel embarrassed. "Some things are not easy to tell, even though one may
not care if the facts are known."

"But I have not got down to facts yet, Miss Dexie, and I should like to
know the truth. 'For favors received, be truly grateful.' I think it is
only fair to let me know how matters stand with you and this lover over the
sea."

He waited a moment for her answer, then added, in an eager tone:

"Your sister told me several times about your engagement to this young
gentleman that writes to you from England. If it is so, why deny it?"

"There is a promise between us to wait a year," came the low-spoken reply.
"Then, if we are both of the same mind as when we saw each other last, I
expect I shall spend the rest of my days in Halifax; but a year is a long
time, and much may happen before then."

What strange power was there in his looks or words that drew this admission
from her? She regretted the words the moment after she uttered them, but
she did not know that she had removed the barrier that kept Guy from trying
to win her himself.

"Do you think he may learn to care for someone else, or that you--"

"I have never met anyone yet that I like better," and she lifted her eyes
to his as she said this, but she dropped them at once, and a strange,
uneasy feeling possessed her that she could not understand.

"Thank you, Miss Dexie, for your confidence. Now, let the understanding be
mutual. Will you give me the privilege you have so long denied me of being
your friend and protector _pro tem._, as it were? Neither you nor I have
anyone here to claim our society, and I get very tired of my own company; I
would like to have one special lady friend. Will you not hereafter accept
my company without that inward protest which I always feel you have for
me?"

"You are very kind, Mr. Traverse, but I would prefer matters as they are. I
do not mind going about alone in the least."

"Oh! I know that, Miss Independence, but I mind it; so say that I may
occupy the place of the absent friend, to some extent at least. I'll write
to him and demand permission, if you object," and he laughed pleasan