"As you please. There is a new book of poems, and a late New York paper," said she presently, feeling that she must say something. "They will help to pass away the time." But Guy Traverse had no intention of passing his time over reading-matter, something of a more personal nature was in hand. Dexie was determined she would not be the first to break the silence, and the ticking of the clock was the only sound heard for some time. "And so my attentions are obnoxious, Miss Dexie? I was grieved to hear that, when I wished them to be the opposite." The words, low and tender, brought painful heart-throbs to Dexie's bosom, but she hastily answered: "You said they should not be so in the future; so please say no more on the subject," and glad to escape from his earnest gaze, she rose and looked into her father's room. Finding him quietly sleeping, she soon returned, and folding up her finished work, laid aside the basket, then brought from a drawer a frame containing the delicate piece of needlework her father referred to, and began to pass the needle back and forth. Presently Guy came over to her side, and stood looking down at the work in her hands; then said with a smile: "Is this the fine wedding present you are going to give me, Dexie?" "I was not in earnest when I spoke, but I will not go back from my word, if you think it will be acceptable," was the low reply. "If that is the only thing you will give me for a wedding present, I think I won't accept it;" then bending over her, said tenderly, "My darling! I want you to give me yourself!" Dexie was on her feet in a moment, her embroidery forgotten. "Mr. Traverse! do you wish to insult me? How little you must respect me, to speak to me like that!" "My little girl, why will you misunderstand me? Don't you know that I love you with my whole heart--will you not let me tell you?" as she shrank away from him. "Those are strange words to say to me, Mr. Traverse, after telling us about your approaching marriage; and papa thinks you are a gentleman." "And you do not!" smiling at her indignant look. "Dearest, you must let me explain," and he came nearer. "No! I will hear no explanation! there can be none after what you have said! Is it honorable to say such things to me while you are looking forward to marriage with another?" and her eyes flashed angrily. "Dexie, you are mistaken. Surely you do not think me such a villain!" "What else do your words imply?" "That I am looking forward to my marriage with you, dearest; that was what I meant to-night," taking a step nearer, and looking at her tenderly. "Do gentlemen usually announce their approaching marriage before saying a word to the lady in question? I am not so easily deceived as you think, Mr. Traverse."