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I will try it again, but don't stand looking at me, there's a good fellow, but go away by the window and look out at nothing." Again those wondrous chords filled the room, but the masterful touch that usually accompanied Dexie's fingering was now wanting, for it was a trembling hand that followed the printed notes.
Sherwood was obliged to confess that the blame was not all on Dexie's shoulders, though she thought some of the bills extremely exorbitant, and could not be convinced that the extras which Gussie had ordered made such a difference. Mrs.
Hugh was almost beside himself with fear on Dexie's account; but he at last succeeded in persuading a crafty old fellow to accompany him, by promising him more money for his services than the fisherman had ever, at one time, seen in his life, and finally he accompanied Hugh back to the vessel.
His heart beat rapidly, and though he carried away the memory of Dexie's indignant look, he stepped across the plank with a firm, light step. Lancy wondered at the transformation which seemed to have taken place in Hugh since he had seen him on deck, a few short minutes ago; but they stood together and watched the receding steamer, until the one that was so dear to them both was lost to view.
"Can I trouble you for a drink of water, Miss Dexter?" he said, with a malicious grin. Dexie took no notice of this request, knowing it was made only for the purpose of using her detested name. He repeated his request a second time, and even Gussie flushed at his offensive tone, though she called Dexie's attention to the request. "Dexie, Mr. Plaisted asks for a drink. Where are your manners?"
A soft knock at the door, and a moment later Guy entered. "Time is up, McNeil, if we want to catch the train." Then putting his arm across Dexie's shoulders, as he noticed her pale face and quivering lips, said: "Has it been too much for you, dearest? It was the last time, you know." "How could you, Guy! How could you send him here to me alone!" came the low, trembling words.
The family were assembled in the parlor when Mr. Plaisted was announced, and he found no cause to complain of his reception, for even Dexie's cool bow and formal greeting were so much like her former treatment of him that when she ignored his offered hand he did not resent it openly. But in his heart he vowed to "get even" with her.
Gurney, followed by a warning look, caused the subject to be suddenly changed, and in the conversation that followed, the angry flush faded from Dexie's cheeks, the firm shut mouth relaxed; but the workings of her mind were not quite hidden from the motherly eyes that watched her so closely.
Guy laughed and promised better play in the future, and as Dexie was called from the room he redeemed his character and won the next game, and during the few minutes' chat that followed Guy sought for information concerning Dexie's supposed engagement. Mr. Sherwood did not see the drift of his remarks until Guy asked: "There is a rumor that Miss Dexie expects to be married shortly.
"Why, Maggie, how can you say such a thing? A deep sorrow comes before that joy; and how can you wish for it?" was the stern reproof of her sister. "Oh, dear! what have I said! I forgot that for the moment!" and there was such a tone of regret in her words that Dexie's eyes asked an explanation. "We can't have a piano while the grandmother is alive.
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