happened,
Dexie--it has all come about so suddenly that I hardly realize it myself;
but I was thrown from a vicious horse while visiting at a country-seat, and
was taken up insensible, and when I opened my eyes I found a sweet heart
bending over me; but believe me, Dexie, I did not know it was so until her
own lips confessed it, and she has become very dear to me since. But I have
been in misery when I thought how you would despise me, and I feared your
scorn. I shall always care for you, Dexie, as you care for me, and I am
glad to know that the music still holds us together. I have a request to
make, and if you will grant it I shall know that the admission in this
letter has not wounded you. Do not send back the ring, but keep it and wear
it occasionally. I have had a counterpart made of the little charm which I
enclose in this, and I shall always keep it in memory of the happy hours we
have spent together."

Dexie read this letter over a good many times before she laid it away
under lock and key; but when she did so she took from its hiding-place the
ring she had not looked at for months, and slipped it upon her finger.

"Yes, I will keep it and wear it, now that it means only friendship; of
course he does not wish to have it back. I am so glad he has found someone
else. He will never forget me, I am sure--I know that by my own feelings
for him; but if he had kept me to my promise I--" but she finished the
sentence in the innermost recesses of her heart.

Dexie's reply gave Lancy a feeling of relief. He must explain to his
parents the change in his feelings, and he feared they would consider that
he had wronged Dexie Sherwood; but her letters would prove the contrary,
for did she not say:

"Your ring is on my finger as I write, and I never wore it with more
willingness and pleasure than I do now, when it tells only of freedom and
friendship. I have had those words engraved on the inside of the ring. Will
you do the same with the token of friendship which you say you possess? I
was sorry to hear you had taken the trouble to get one made after the same
pattern, and I have a little scold all ready for you. Do not hide from your
ladylove till after your marriage the little romance 'between me and thee.'
Believe me, it will sound much better if told beforehand. I am pleased to
hear that your prospects are so bright, but you did not tell me half enough
about your pretty English lassie, or in what direction her talents li