"Is there any quarrel between us, Miss Dexie, that we so seldom speak to each other?" "Not that I know of, Mr. Traverse," Dexie replied, dropping her eyes to the lowest shelf. "Then, why are you so silent when I am near? We used to be good friends, but now you cut me to the heart by your cold looks and cruel speeches. What has come between us?" "Nothing that I know of, Mr. Traverse, and if my words and looks do not please you there is a way to keep out of the reach of both." "You are an enigma hard to solve, Miss Dexie," was the smiling reply; "but I intend to find the solution, and until then you will not find it easy to drive me away." "As you please," and catching sight of the book she was looking for, she turned hastily from him and seated herself by her father's side. Guy felt in little humor to continue the discussion. He felt that Dexie's manner was but a cloak to hide her true feelings from him, and finding it impossible to draw her into further conversation he rose to leave the room. "May I speak to you a few moments in the hall?" he quietly asked, as he bent over her chair. But Dexie shrank from such an interview, and replied: "Please excuse me; papa needs me just now." "No, I don't," came the unexpected reply from her father, who had heard the request as well as the refusal. Dexie rose slowly to her feet, a look of indecision on her face. "Go at once," said her father; "Mr. Traverse is waiting for you, Dexie," then she followed him out of the room. Her cheeks were pink with embarrassment as she waited in silence for Mr. Traverse to speak, and her heart beat wildly as he regarded her with earnest eyes. "Dexie, tell me honestly, do you wish me to cease visiting here?" "No, Mr. Traverse;" then after a pause, "papa would miss you." "But I do not come here on purpose to see your father; you know that very well, Dexie," and the tender, reproachful tone made Dexie droop her head still lower. "Have I offended you, Dexie, that you are so cool and distant with me?" "No, you have not." "Then is it because you dislike me that you will not speak a word to me? Is that why you are so silent, Dexie?" No answer came from Dexie's lips, but she shook her head in reply. "What is it, Dexie that has come between us--there is something, is there not?" "Did you ask me here on purpose to catechise me?" recovering her voice at last. "Then I wish you 'good evening,'" and she turned to leave him. But Guy stepped quickly before her and seized the hand that reached for the door. "Do not dismiss me so curtly, Dexie, but shake hands when you bid me 'good-bye' to-night." Dexie laid her hand in his, and he held it close, while for one brief moment her eyes were raised to his, then as quickly averted; but that was all Guy needed--the secret was his at last. CHAPTER XXXIX.