r spread to
her very brow as she met Guy's earnest gaze. If there was more animation in
the remarks that followed, Mr. Sherwood did not guess the cause of the
change.

Wishing for a certain volume that had reference to the matter, Dexie rose
to get it from the bookcase, but not finding it readily Traverse came over
to assist her. The search went on in silence for some time, when Guy said
in a low tone:

"Is there any quarrel between us, Miss Dexie, that we so seldom speak to
each other?"

"Not that I know of, Mr. Traverse," Dexie replied, dropping her eyes to the
lowest shelf.

"Then, why are you so silent when I am near? We used to be good friends,
but now you cut me to the heart by your cold looks and cruel speeches. What
has come between us?"

"Nothing that I know of, Mr. Traverse, and if my words and looks do not
please you there is a way to keep out of the reach of both."

"You are an enigma hard to solve, Miss Dexie," was the smiling reply; "but
I intend to find the solution, and until then you will not find it easy to
drive me away."

"As you please," and catching sight of the book she was looking for, she
turned hastily from him and seated herself by her father's side.

Guy felt in little humor to continue the discussion. He felt that Dexie's
manner was but a cloak to hide her true feelings from him, and finding it
impossible to draw her into further conversation he rose to leave the room.

"May I speak to you a few moments in the hall?" he quietly asked, as he
bent over her chair.

But Dexie shrank from such an interview, and replied:

"Please excuse me; papa needs me just now."

"No, I don't," came the unexpected reply from her father, who had heard the
request as well as the refusal.

Dexie rose slowly to her feet, a look of indecision on her face.

"Go at once," said her father; "Mr. Traverse is waiting for you, Dexie,"
then she followed him out of the room.

Her cheeks were pink with embarrassment as she waited in silence for Mr.
Traverse to speak, and her heart beat wildly as he regarded her with
earnest eyes.

"Dexie, tell me honestly, do you wish me to cease visiting here?"

"No, Mr. Traverse;" then after a pause, "papa would miss you."

"But I do not come here on purpose to see your father; you know that very
well, Dexie," and the tender, reproachful tone made Dexie droop her head
still lower.

"Have I offended you, Dexie, that you are so cool and distant with me?"

"No, you ha