people, I fancy. I cannot think what
they will do when Dexie has left the house," and he sighed heavily.

When Mr. Hackett departed with the missing papers, Mr. Sherwood called her
to his side and explained many things which would have to be seen to after
his death, and Dexie sat and listened with quivering lips and hands
clasped, palms downwards, across her lap, in an agony of mind, until she
fell on her knees beside his couch, crying, "Oh! papa! dear papa! what
shall I do without you!"

Her father stroked the ruffled hair and soothed her by his tender words
till her tears flowed less freely and her sobs were checked, when he added:

"Now, I want to speak of yourself, Dexie. Do not keep Traverse waiting for
you after I am gone. He has been very patient, and it has been on my
account that he has waited so long for you. I am not blind to the trouble
which you have borne so bravely and quietly these few months back; you have
had little time to prepare anything for your new life, as most girls like
to do, but this shall be made up to you, my dear. I have thought sometimes
I would ask you to have your marriage performed here before me, but I will
not be so selfish; that should be the happiest hour of a woman's life, and
it would not be so to you under such circumstances. Louie has brightened
the house by her coming, but she will soon be returning to her aunt, and
then I am afraid you will find it harder than ever, my dear little Dexie."

Mrs. Sherwood came into the room, and finding Dexie sobbing on her father's
pillow, was much alarmed.

"What is it? Are you worse, Clarence?" she cried, hysterically.

"No, no, dear wife, not that. But I have been giving Dexie some directions
regarding matters after I am gone, and it makes her feel badly, poor little
girl! She has been a good daughter to us, wife; so do not forget it when
she needs your help and sympathy, and that time may be nearer than you
think."

Dexie could bear no more, but she must not grieve her father by her tears;
so rose hurriedly, and kissing his brow, left the room. She met Louie in
the hall, and alarmed her by her grief.

"Is papa worse, Dexie?"

"I do not think so, but he has been talking to me about things which must
be done when he is gone, and it breaks my heart! Poor papa! he is so kind
and thoughtful, he seems to remember the smallest thing that we shall need
to look after, and advises about them. I am afraid it will not be many
days, Louie, bef