well, Guy, do as you think best; they cannot make it much more
uncomfortable than it is at present."

But in this Dexie found she was mistaken.

Mrs. Sherwood listened to Guy's manly and straightforward declaration in
silence, though her raised eyebrows showed something of her surprise as
well as displeasure. She admitted she had no right to refuse her permission
for their marriage if her father approved of it, but it was "quite like
Dexie to keep her in ignorance of the true state of affairs." Of course,
the marriage must not take place for some months yet. The impropriety of it
so soon after her father's death was quite shocking, even to hear it
suggested; besides, Dexie could not be spared from home. When Guy reminded
her that Dexie should have the rest she evidently needed, her manner became
icy at once, though she kept her indignation well in check until Guy had
left the house.

"So you have been complaining to Mr. Traverse, have you?" she said angrily
to Dexie. "We will see hereafter if you do not have something to complain
about! If you are thinking of getting married to Mr. Traverse on purpose to
shirk your duties at home, I will see to it that you _earn_ your wedding
while you _are_ home. As for being married in the near future, your
father's death will certainly forbid that, and I think Mr. Traverse will
find that you are still under my authority, and that I am not quite so fond
of him as your father was."

"Do not have any fear, mamma, that I will ever ask for a wedding that would
be so grudgingly given," said Dexie, with quiet dignity; "but I think I
have already fairly _earned_ my wedding, if that is the way you choose to
put it. I hardly think anyone will ever hear you suggest that Gussie must
_earn_ her wedding before her marriage can take place, and I think I have
been as good a daughter to you as Gussie has--I have tried to be, anyway,
mamma."

"Gussie will never have the low tastes and plebeian ways that have made you
such an eyesore to me. She is too much of a lady to delight in the domestic
economy that you always aspired to, and when her time comes I shall see
that she has a wedding that shall fill your heart with envy!" said the now
thoroughly angry woman.

"I think that will not be possible, mamma," said the low, quiet tones, so
unlike the Dexie of old. "It is not to the wedding I am looking forward
with so much happiness, but to the loving husband I shall gain thereby, and
the future happy