"I have not changed in the least, but I shall dislike you very much, Lancy, if you do not try and forget what has been said here this evening." "I cannot forget it even if I wanted to, Dexie. Do not think that I want to vex you, dear, but I want you to understand me. Now, there is only one thing more, Dexie," and his voice grew tender; "that kiss you gave me last night in the sleigh seems to be resting on my lips yet, and has been a sweet memory all day long. But, Dexie," and he laughed softly, "you know it was a very cold kiss, after all. Give me a warm one to take its place, and I'll let you go." Dexie shook her head and tried to draw back from him. She felt so distressed that the tears were on the point of falling. She had gone through so much during the last few hours, and this unexpected interview tried her more than Lancy was aware. "Only one kiss," he urged. "You gave it willingly last night, darling." "But things are not the same as they were last night." "No, I love you better, Dexie. May I?" But without waiting for permission he kissed the face so near him, and found it wet with tears. "Dexie, darling, I did not think you would care so much. Forgive me if I vexed you; you kissed me last night without a word." "But you are not the same, and there was a reason last night. It is not fair, Lancy. You have quite spoiled our good times for the future." "No, not spoiled them, only made them dearer. Dexie, you shan't be vexed with me. Come over on the sofa and let me talk to you." "No; you said you would let me go home, and I want to go now, this very minute." "Very well." He rose and pulled her shawl over her shoulders, then followed her silently into the shelter of her own door. He would have followed her into the house as well, forgetting that Dexie's face would tell tales, but she stopped him at the door. "I don't want to see you any more to-night, Lancy; I really don't," she said, as they stood a moment in the front hall. "You are displeased with me for telling you that I love you. Perhaps I should have waited a little longer before speaking about it; but, Dexie, I couldn't keep it to myself. I had to tell you." "I would not have been any more pleased to hear it, even if you _had_ kept it longer;" and, lifting her eyes to his face for a moment, added, "I am not exactly vexed with you, Lancy, but I'm not pleased either. Now, go home; do." Being thus summarily dismissed, there was no choice left him; but before he turned to obey her command, he raised her hand to his lips, and whispered a tender "Good-night, Dexie." She stood and watched him down the steps, then turned and went quickly to her own room, and locking the door behind her threw herself face down on the bed, and for a few minutes wept without restraint. She felt completely unnerved; so much had happened during the last twenty-four hours that had tried her strength and courage, that Lancy's declaration had filled up the measure of her strength.