tly, "so let me share your watch to-night;
indeed I will not leave you like this," for his tender, sympathetic words
brought the tears, and she hid her face in her handkerchief.

Presently she grew calmer, but her voice was very low as she answered:

"You are very kind, Mr. Traverse, but I shall not need your help. I can
call Mrs. Jarvis if he should be worse. I thank you for your kind offer,
but your assistance will not be necessary."

"That is not kind of you, Dexie," said Guy reproachfully. "Your father said
I was his best friend, and you ought not to send me away when I might be of
service to him; so let me stay, Dexie."

"Well, I suppose it looks rude to refuse your help; but I am sure mamma and
Gussie would think it improper, if I allowed you to remain," she answered,
with downcast eyes.

"Is that the reason you do not wish me to stay with you?" and he smiled
down at the bowed head. "Do you think conventionality should be considered
when your father's comfort is in question?" he asked. "You know your father
has often asked me to sit with him when he was restless and could not
sleep, but you did not seem willing," he added, seeing she had no reply,
"and I have been anxious to please you in all things, Dexie."

"There was no need to consult me about it," she replied, feeling vexed at
the tone that implied so much more than he had a right to express under the
circumstances, and taking her work-basket to the far side of the table she
sat down to work.

"Must I go or may I stay, Dexie? at least till the time of your father's
usual attack? Be kind this once and say I may stay."

"As you please. There is a new book of poems, and a late New York paper,"
said she presently, feeling that she must say something. "They will help to
pass away the time."

But Guy Traverse had no intention of passing his time over reading-matter,
something of a more personal nature was in hand. Dexie was determined she
would not be the first to break the silence, and the ticking of the clock
was the only sound heard for some time.

"And so my attentions are obnoxious, Miss Dexie? I was grieved to hear
that, when I wished them to be the opposite."

The words, low and tender, brought painful heart-throbs to Dexie's bosom,
but she hastily answered:

"You said they should not be so in the future; so please say no more on the
subject," and glad to escape from his earnest gaze, she rose and looked
into her father's room.

Finding him qu