mission. He stood and watched her as she sang, feeling that she had the
power to make or mar his life.

"Now, papa, you have heard quite enough, I am sure," she said, at last,
going over to his side. "You are looking tired."

"There! that is just the way I am served. Directly I am beginning to enjoy
myself, my pleasures are nipped in the bud;" then changing his tone, he
added, "Yes, dear child, I do feel a little weary. If Traverse will be kind
enough to wheel me back to my room, I guess I will let Jarvis put me to
bed; I hear her rummaging about looking for me now," and he smiled as he
drew her face down and kissed it.

"Dear papa, I wish it was in your power to escape her search."

Mr. Sherwood understood the wish, and pressed her hand in reply.

Mr. Traverse was soon back by Dexie's side, watching the hands that were
evoking such sweet strains, but she seemed hardly aware of his presence
until he said, in a low tone:

"Remembering what you told me, Miss Dexie, I was not surprised to hear that
you were shortly to be married. May I know the truth from your own lips,
Miss Dexie?"

"I do not know why the report, true or otherwise, should trouble any
person, Mr. Traverse," and she stooped to pick up some scattered music, and
hide her face at the same time.

"It is more to me than you think, Miss Dexie. If you will admit that the
report is true, I will not trouble you with further questions; but I
understand, from what your father said, that the rumor is not correct."

"Papa had no right to tell you anything, Mr. Traverse, but I fancy you are
not much the wiser for any information he may have given you."

Her blushing cheeks and downcast eyes did certainly convey the impression
that her father was not aware how matters stood, so he replied:

"No, I am not much wiser, I must admit, for I cannot make what he told me
agree with that engagement ring."

"Do all rings have that significance? Gussie frequently wears several
without implicating any gentleman," smiling.

"Dexie, you do not know how much this means to me, and I do not know if I
have a right to explain. When I remember how much you told me the night
that Gussie read your letter, I do not see why you should hesitate to tell
me the rest now."

"What was it that papa told you, Mr. Traverse?" Dexie asked, in a low tone.

"Only that you were free. Yet how can I believe that, with this ring on
your finger denying the fact, and that music has some connection