d young lad with whom Georgie was
forbidden to associate, Dexie called out:

"Go away from here at once, you torment, or you'll get your jacket dusted
for you," and hastening to the gate as if eager to perform the operation,
she found Guy Traverse awaiting the promised punishment.

Astonishment rendered her silent for a moment, when she laughingly
exclaimed:

"For pity sake, Guy! was it you threw the pebbles?"

"Yes, and am I to believe that it was you who was whistling?"

"Well, as you took me for Georgie, it must have been well done, so I'll own
to the whistling; but what brings you here so early in the morning? I am
not dressed for visitors at this hour," and she glanced down at her short
frock, that revealed a neat foot and well-turned ankle; then pulling
forward the sun-bonnet that had fallen back from her head, added:

"This is the latest style. I hope you admire it."

"I do, indeed," and his face filled the front of it for a moment.

"Oh! do come in till I shut the gate; someone might see us. Now, what do
you want with Georgie, if I may ask?" and she lifted a saucy face to his.

"I didn't want him particularly, but I thought it was he who was whistling,
and I was going to ask him to look for you, but as it is your own sweet
self, so much the better, for I want to speak to you here a minute."

"But why here, at the back gate?"

"I wanted to ask if you would drive into the country with me, as I have to
go on a matter of business."

"Then why didn't you go to the front door and ask me properly, sir?"

"Well, I am going to, just as soon as I find out if you can come or not.
You were up part of the night with your father, and I did not know but you
were resting or too busy to come with me. In that case, Gussie might feel
it her duty to accompany me."

"Oh, I see! I shall be most happy to accept your invitation, Mr. Traverse;
so go around to the front door and ask me like a gentleman."

Shutting the gate after him, she entered the house, intending to have a
little fun over the invitation.

His ring at the door was answered by Gussie, and Mr. Sherwood, who was
dozing on his couch, brightened at once as he saw who was the visitor.

"A splendid morning, Traverse," was his greeting. "You are early to-day."

"Yes, I have called to see if you could spare Dexie for a drive with me
this morning."

"Certainly. Gussie, hunt her up."

"Dexie is very busy this morning, papa," Gussie replied, "but I am at
lei