cond Rosa Bonheur; you have left her in the pasture fleeing for her
life, with the vicious bull in full pursuit, her sketch-book flying in the
air. Now, surely by this time the brute has killed her, or she has died of
fright. Then there are several other characters all left in some dilemma
that must be settled by this time in some way or other," and gaily talking,
she brought out her writing tablet and set it across her knee.

"Well, it seems to me, Dexie, that as soon as I get my characters into some
trouble I lose all interest in them; I wonder what trait that represents in
myself," he added, musingly. "Finish the stories yourself, Dexie. I am sick
and tired of them, so get them out of the fix they are in the best way you
can."

"Well, how would you like to begin something new, papa?" her only idea
being to get his mind occupied, and this had been a wonderful means of
diversion ever since he was hurt.

"Not to-day, Dexie. I think I am too full of your little romance to invent
anything new. Finish up those old things and let me see how you get on.
Give the smallest chap the biggest fish; he told the biggest lies, and
will claim it anyway. Let the girl jump the fence. If she can't do that,
let her crawl under it, or let the bull toss her over; no matter how she
gets out of the field, so long as she gets out alive. She will never want
to paint again, I feel sure; so let her escape with her life."

Dexie laughed and began to write, knowing she would get her father
interested, and she soon found she had to move her fingers very nimbly in
order to keep up with the flow of words that fell from his lips. Page after
page fluttered to the floor till Dexie cried, "There, papa, that is enough
for to-day. The house party are happily paired off and are on the way to
the supper table; let us hope they will find enough to eat upon it, while
we go and see about our own supper."

In the evening, much to Gussie's surprise, Mr. Traverse made his
appearance, and her smiles and good-humor rose to the surface at once; this
was the more remarkable by reason of their non-appearance throughout the
day.

Dexie answered his ring at the door, and if they remained in the hall just
a little longer than usual, no one seemed to remark it; and if the blushes
which mantled her cheeks were observed, no one guessed the cause.

During the evening Gussie noticed for the first time that Dexie wore a new
ring, and the volley of questions she poured for