ietly sleeping, she soon returned, and folding up her
finished work, laid aside the basket, then brought from a drawer a frame
containing the delicate piece of needlework her father referred to, and
began to pass the needle back and forth. Presently Guy came over to her
side, and stood looking down at the work in her hands; then said with a
smile:

"Is this the fine wedding present you are going to give me, Dexie?"

"I was not in earnest when I spoke, but I will not go back from my word, if
you think it will be acceptable," was the low reply.

"If that is the only thing you will give me for a wedding present, I think
I won't accept it;" then bending over her, said tenderly, "My darling! I
want you to give me yourself!"

Dexie was on her feet in a moment, her embroidery forgotten.

"Mr. Traverse! do you wish to insult me? How little you must respect me, to
speak to me like that!"

"My little girl, why will you misunderstand me? Don't you know that I love
you with my whole heart--will you not let me tell you?" as she shrank away
from him.

"Those are strange words to say to me, Mr. Traverse, after telling us about
your approaching marriage; and papa thinks you are a gentleman."

"And you do not!" smiling at her indignant look. "Dearest, you must let me
explain," and he came nearer.

"No! I will hear no explanation! there can be none after what you have
said! Is it honorable to say such things to me while you are looking
forward to marriage with another?" and her eyes flashed angrily.

"Dexie, you are mistaken. Surely you do not think me such a villain!"

"What else do your words imply?"

"That I am looking forward to my marriage with you, dearest; that was what
I meant to-night," taking a step nearer, and looking at her tenderly.

"Do gentlemen usually announce their approaching marriage before saying a
word to the lady in question? I am not so easily deceived as you think, Mr.
Traverse."

"But, Dexie, you would not let me say the word, though I have sought an
opportunity for weeks past. Dearest, I have loved you since I first knew
you, even during the time I thought you were promised to another. I hid it
then in my own breast; but lately, since I heard you were free, you have
given me no chance to tell you of my love. Sometimes I have felt that you
knew it, Dexie, and that you were not indifferent. To-day I asked your
father's permission to win you, and he gave his consent."

"So I was bargained for and