ng resemblances that I see next door. They
have sent me to my room for an hour because I _looked_ surprised at a
remarkable thing, so I thought I would sit down and tell you how badly I am
treated, for I am snubbed at every turn, and no one likes to be continually
snubbed.

"We like Lancy's wife very much, though she is different from what we
expected. It is quite plain that she is very much in love with Lancy, so he
ought to be pleased. I suppose it will not be 'the correct thing,' as Nina
says, if I tell you why we felt so disappointed over his marriage, but we
all expected his wife would be the dear girl we used to know and love. I
often think that Lancy misses her, for his wife is not a bit musical; but
everything is contrary here. There! I am called, and my hour is not yet up,
so that's odd, too."

"That is only the first part of the letter, but it contains news enough for
a dozen," said Dexie, as she laid the closely-written sheets on the table
before her. "I am sure you see now what a trouble my marriage has been to
dear Mrs. Gurney."

"Yet we imagined it was a very quiet affair, eh, Dexie?" regarding her with
an amused smile: "However, do not take it so seriously, darling. Things
have, no doubt, quieted down by now, and everyone will not see Hugh's wife
and home with Elsie's eyes."

"But I have not finished the letter yet; wait till you hear the rest."

"There is a postscript, I suppose, and like every other woman's letter, it
needs to be read first," was the smiling reply. "Well, let us hear the
conclusion of the matter."

Taking up the remaining pages, Dexie read:

"I was called downstairs to see Mrs. McNeil, who was in the parlor and had
asked to see me especially, and as my eyes rested upon her the word 'Dexie'
sprang to my lips. She had on your garnet velvet suit, and looked as well
in it as ever you did. I intended to treat her very coolly, for I had not
forgiven Hugh, though I have been to church twice since he offended me; but
she was so very friendly, and so anxious to make amends for Hugh's
behavior, that my coolness melted away. She begged me to try and like her
'for Dexie's sake,' and as Hugh had sent regrets for his hasty words and
wished me to run in as freely as I did in the old times, I feel as if I can
repeat the responses in church this evening without feeling so terribly
wicked over it. I fancy, from what Nina says, that Hugh is often quite
stern and cold in his way of speaking to her,