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Stanford Eveleth - Miss Dexie

S >> Stanford Eveleth >> Miss Dexie




"Will you mind coming to the kitchen, Guy? I am afraid someone will hear us
if I take you anywhere else, and I don't want the rattle of dishes to
betray us."

"Well, this is enough to make any fellow selfish," as he followed Dexie out
to the kitchen, and closed the door softly behind him. "You must be a
fairy, to conjure such a dainty breakfast in this short time. No one will
hear us here."

The appetizing odor of coffee filled the air, and the most fastidious
person could have found no fault with the dainty little table and its
appointments, with plates laid for two.

"Now, you really must be quiet, Guy," trying to escape from his arms. "Just
see how you have mussed my hair!"

"And you haven't mussed mine at all, I suppose! I say, Dexie, what if
Gussie should catch us here?" "Which, fortunately, is not likely; but what
_would_ she say? The impropriety of our conduct would be shocking," and a
musical laugh sounded through the room.

"I should plead extenuating circumstances, dearest. One does not have the
delightful experience of last night but once in a lifetime, and why should
we not make the most of our pleasures? However, I can thank your father for
this extended bliss."

"The extended bliss of eating in the kitchen!" and she smiled
mischievously, as she handed him a cup of coffee. "Is this your first peep
into my domain?"

"Yes, and I think it the pleasantest room in the house. Who planned it, and
invented such contrivances?" glancing approvingly at the adjustable shelves
which Dexie disclosed by shoving aside what appeared to be a panel in the
wall. "We must have our kitchen just like this."

Ignoring his last remark, except by a blush, Dexie answered:

"I have to thank papa for the liberty I enjoy in this room; but for him I
should have had the usual bare walls and no conveniences whatever. If you
had seen all the newspaper articles I read up, giving the experience of
practical housekeepers, you would not wonder at the change which, with the
help of a carpenter, I made in this room. I am monarch of all I survey in
this part of the house, as mamma does not care how many experiments go on
here as long as everything is satisfactory that comes out of it."

All pleasant things come to an end, and the early breakfast in the kitchen
was no exception to the rule; but it remained a bright spot in the memory
of both, and in after-years was often referred to.

A few minutes later Guy left the house, and, for the first time, he left it
contented and happy, the sweet "Good-bye" in the hall being in strong
contrast to the usual curt dismissal that had fallen to his lot hitherto
when Dexie showed him out.




CHAPTER XLI.


Dexie stood in the doorway until her lover was out of sight; then,
remembering that the little table in the kitchen would tell tales, she was
soon stepping briskly about, and quickly removed all traces of the early
meal. Going softly into her father's room, she found him awake and feeling
very well, and in the best of spirits.

"I heard you in the hall," said he, pretending to scold. "A fine time for a
young man to be leaving the house, isn't it, now? I am astonished at you,
Dexie!"

"Well, dear papa, I am astonished too!" and they both laughed. "I am sure
if anyone had told me such a thing was about to happen, I would have
thought him a fit subject for a lunatic asylum."

"You look very happy over it, dear, or your face tells a story! But I
thought I smelt coffee when I woke up."

"So you did! My young man stayed to breakfast. What do you think of that?
He says he is going to plead 'extenuating circumstances,' if he is brought
to the bar. But don't you think you would like a cup of coffee and a nice
piece of toast?"

"Yes, I think I would; it is rather early for breakfast, but I feel ready
for it."

Dexie was soon beside him with a small tray, and as he drank his coffee he
said, as he looked at her keenly:

"I want to know one thing, Dexie, and then I won't question you any more.
What was the trouble between you and Traverse these few weeks back?
Something was wrong with you, at any rate, but you do not confide in me as
you used to do."

"Well, you naughty papa! How could I tell you my little secrets when you
let them out the first thing?" she laughingly replied.

Her father looked at her in surprise, and she added,

"I told you not to tell that I broke the engagement with Lancy Gurney, and
you told Guy that very first evening."

"Well, where was the harm? He seemed very anxious to know about it, and I
am sure you seemed to rejoice over your freedom."

"Yes! but I didn't want Guy to know it, for it made it so much harder for
me to meet him."

"Dexie, did you break your promise with Lancy on account of Traverse? Well,
well! I understand it now; but who would have thought that you cared for
him when you were so cool and short!"

"You surely would not have me make the first advances, papa?" laughing.

"No; but you might have allowed him a chance to make them himself. However,
all's well that ends well, and I wish someone would ask to be Gussie's
protector before I am gone--someone as trustworthy as Traverse. You are of
an age to find life rather hard without someone's sheltering care, and it
will not be long before you will both need it, for your mother is not able
to see after you as you need."

The rattle of pans and dishes told that the kitchen had an occupant, and
with a parting word to her father "not to tell on her," she left the room.

At this moment Jarvis appeared, looking positively frightened.

"Oh! why did you not wake me, Dexie?" she cried. "I cannot see how I slept
so heavily. But I depended on you to rouse me, Dexie."

"It is all right, Mrs. Jarvis. Papa passed a splendid night; so you were
not needed. But wait a minute, I have something to tell you. I did not want
you up, for I had company of my own, and I have news for you this morning."
Then with a blushing face she raised her hand to show her ring, adding, "I
am engaged to be married."

"My dear, is it possible!" and the motherly creature took the fresh, happy
face between her hands and kissed both cheeks. "Is it Mr. Traverse that is
going to take you away from us?"

"He will not take me away while papa needs me; but it is to be a secret for
the present, Mrs. Jarvis, for under the circumstances we can make no plans
for the future."

"Yes, I understand you, dear. You can trust me; and I am well pleased to
hear of your good fortune. Mr. Traverse is thoughtful and tender beyond his
years, and I have learned to respect him highly. But you will go and lie
down now, won't you? I will see to everything, so go to your room and make
your mind easy about the work this morning."

When Dexie appeared again in her father's room some hours later, he looked
at her with pleasure. Her face seemed to have grown beautiful; love had so
glorified it that her happiness seemed to speak from every feature. He did
not wonder that Guy Traverse had lost his heart to his little nurse.

"Do you feel well enough to-day, papa, to dictate those unfinished
stories?" she asked, as she wheeled his couch over to the sunshine. "You
have left those three fishermen quarrelling about who caught the largest
fish, till by this time the fish must be spoiled, to say nothing of the
temper of the fishermen. And there is that city belle, who wished to become
a second Rosa Bonheur; you have left her in the pasture fleeing for her
life, with the vicious bull in full pursuit, her sketch-book flying in the
air. Now, surely by this time the brute has killed her, or she has died of
fright. Then there are several other characters all left in some dilemma
that must be settled by this time in some way or other," and gaily talking,
she brought out her writing tablet and set it across her knee.

"Well, it seems to me, Dexie, that as soon as I get my characters into some
trouble I lose all interest in them; I wonder what trait that represents in
myself," he added, musingly. "Finish the stories yourself, Dexie. I am sick
and tired of them, so get them out of the fix they are in the best way you
can."

"Well, how would you like to begin something new, papa?" her only idea
being to get his mind occupied, and this had been a wonderful means of
diversion ever since he was hurt.

"Not to-day, Dexie. I think I am too full of your little romance to invent
anything new. Finish up those old things and let me see how you get on.
Give the smallest chap the biggest fish; he told the biggest lies, and
will claim it anyway. Let the girl jump the fence. If she can't do that,
let her crawl under it, or let the bull toss her over; no matter how she
gets out of the field, so long as she gets out alive. She will never want
to paint again, I feel sure; so let her escape with her life."

Dexie laughed and began to write, knowing she would get her father
interested, and she soon found she had to move her fingers very nimbly in
order to keep up with the flow of words that fell from his lips. Page after
page fluttered to the floor till Dexie cried, "There, papa, that is enough
for to-day. The house party are happily paired off and are on the way to
the supper table; let us hope they will find enough to eat upon it, while
we go and see about our own supper."

In the evening, much to Gussie's surprise, Mr. Traverse made his
appearance, and her smiles and good-humor rose to the surface at once; this
was the more remarkable by reason of their non-appearance throughout the
day.

Dexie answered his ring at the door, and if they remained in the hall just
a little longer than usual, no one seemed to remark it; and if the blushes
which mantled her cheeks were observed, no one guessed the cause.

During the evening Gussie noticed for the first time that Dexie wore a new
ring, and the volley of questions she poured forth regarding it was quite
astonishing.

"Why, where did you get it, Dexie? It is just a beauty; mine look quite
common beside it! That is the second new ring you have worn lately, Dexie,
but I hope there is not so much mystery about this one as there was about
the other. Lend me your ring for this evening, will you, Dexie?" she added,
coming over to her sister's side.

"No, thank you," and Dexie turned away. "You have half-a-dozen rings of
your own, and you know your own motto is 'What's mine is mine,' so I'll
neither borrow nor lend," laughing good-naturedly.

"Keep your old ring, you stingy thing!" Then, fearing that Traverse might
have heard her, she said sweetly:

"Have you noticed Dexie's new ring, Mr. Traverse? It is a mystery to me
where she gets them, for I am sure she would never buy them herself.
Perhaps Hugh McNeil sent it, eh, Dexie? It looks just like one he would
send," and she regarded her sister closely.

Dexie colored painfully at this interrogation, and Guy, who was amused at
Gussie's inquisitiveness, said in feigned surprise:

"Are you really guilty of wearing a new ring, Dexie?" the corners of his
mouth twitching suspiciously. "I hope you are as happy in possessing it as
the donor was in bestowing it."

"Thank you, Mr. Traverse, I think I can truthfully say that I am."

"Oh, Dexie! was it really given to you by a gentleman? Was it Lancy Gurney
who sent it?"

"Hardly, Gussie, or some other young lady would have a right to complain,"
smiling at Gussie's look of surprise.

"Then it was Hugh McNeil, as I thought. I always said you would repent your
behavior to him. Then I suppose the affair is settled. Where _is_ Hugh,
Dexie?"

Dexie did not answer at once, but clasped her hands, palms downward, in
that convulsive grasp that always told of some mental struggle. Something
of the old terror filled her heart at the very mention of Hugh's name, and
her answer was evidently uttered with much reluctance, not unmixed with
fear:

"He is probably on his way to New York, Gussie. Is there anything else you
would like to know?" forcing a smile to her lips.

Guy felt that something unusual had brought that look of alarm to Dexie's
face; he would ask the cause at the first opportunity.

Gussie felt sure that she knew all about it now, so began to twit her
sister about "giving in at last." She had been in a bad humor all day, and
was glad of the chance to get rid of her ill-feelings by teasing Dexie in
the presence of Traverse.

"So Hugh's money has bought you, after all! and your high and mighty airs
were just put on! I am glad you have come to your senses, for I suppose
that ring means a marriage in the future."

"If the latter admission will keep you quiet and make your mind easy, then
you shall hear it. I did accept the ring with the understanding that it
meant marriage in the future, but Hugh McNeil is no more to me now than he
ever was. Now, if you are satisfied, Gussie, will you be kind enough to
leave my affairs alone for the rest of the evening?"

"Hum--m, yes; I'm satisfied, since I know the whole of it! An invisible
lover! a ring! a promise of marriage! and Hugh coming back! Oh, yes, I'll
leave you alone for the rest of the evening, never fear!" and taking a book
from the table she drew an easy chair to the light, then turned her back to
the rest in the room. If Guy Traverse was soon to be married to his "city
girl," and Dexie was going to be Hugh's wife, they could entertain each
other, for she would have nothing to say to either of them!

Queer, wasn't it, that neither of them resented this rudeness, but kept up
a low conversation at the farthest side of the room!

When Guy was about to leave the house, and the "few" last words were being
said in the hall, he asked what had caused her alarm at the mention of her
supposed lover's name.

"I forgot until that very minute that Elsie Gurney told me in her last
letter that this McNeil would leave England for New York on the coming
steamer, and for the moment my heart stopped beating from sheer fright."

"But, dearest, he cannot harm you now. Do you think he is coming here?"

"Indeed, I cannot tell, but I fear that is his intention; and if he should,
oh, Guy, I believe I should hide! I own to being rather afraid of him,
though, luckily for me, he never found it out."

"But if he knows you are mine, surely, Dexie, he is enough of a gentleman
to leave you alone in the future."

"Well, I may be needlessly alarmed, but I feel a presentiment of evil, and
should an ill wind blow him this way, you must be extra good to me while he
is here--come oftener--and I will feel safe, at least, while you are with
me."

About two weeks later, when all thought of Hugh McNeil had been dispelled,
Dexie's presentiment of evil took shape. He arrived in Lennoxville on the
afternoon train, and a few inquiries soon brought him to Mr. Sherwood's
residence.

Mrs. Sherwood and Gussie were out making calls that afternoon, and Dexie
was busy in the kitchen making some new dainty, and was much interested in
watching the result of her work, when Mrs. Jarvis came in search of her.

"Dexie, there is a gentleman in the parlor asking to see you."

"What a nuisance, when I want to see how this turns out! It is not Mr.
Traverse at this hour, of course," she added, carelessly.

"No; it is a stranger. He is a large, dark-complexioned man, with a heavy
black moustache and beautiful black eyes--a perfect gentleman, Dexie!"

The dish fell from Dexie's hand with a crash to the floor.

"Heaven preserve me! what shall I do?" and she turned pale to her lips. "I
cannot see him, Jarvis; I really cannot! Here, I'll write a line to papa,
and you can take the gentleman to his room," and with trembling fingers she
wrote a few words and gave them to the nurse; then, throwing off her big
apron, she seized a hat, sayings to Eliza, who looked on in astonishment:

"Tell Mrs. Jarvis that I have gone over to Ada Chester's, and I won't be
back till tea-time, when I hope that man will be gone; and oh, Eliza! do,
like a good girl, clean up that mess for me," pointing to the demolished
dish and the contents thereof, "and I'll do something for you sometime. I
dare not stop, for I am properly scared for once," and she flew out the
back-door, down through the kitchen garden and into a back street, out of
sight of the house, before she stopped to regain her breath.

Mrs. Jarvis was thoroughly surprised at Dexie's behavior, but she carried
the little note to Mr. Sherwood and waited his direction.

"Yes; show the gentleman here, and I will see him."

"Well, Hugh, so you have found us out," as he appeared behind Mrs. Jarvis.
"You find me on my back. Get a chair for yourself."

Hugh was surprised to learn of the seriousness of the accident that
rendered this position of his friend necessary, having supposed it a slight
affair from which he had long since recovered.

The two men talked for some time on matters in general, when Hugh said:

"I suppose you know what has brought me here, Mr. Sherwood. My feelings for
Dexie have not changed, unless they have become more intense. I heard
through the Gurneys that her engagement with Lancy was at an end, and
started from Australia at once, on purpose to try again to win her. I have
still your permission; have I not?" he eagerly asked.

"I fear then you will be disappointed, Hugh; Dexie is already won."

"Mr. Sherwood, you are not in earnest; you are saying this to try me," and
Hugh turned an appealing face to the one that lay back on the pillows.

"Have pity, Mr. Sherwood; I have suffered enough."

"Hugh, my dear fellow, I was hoping you had got over this, and not hearing
from you for so long I believed you had. But it is true. You are too late,
for Dexie is the promised wife of another."

"She is not yet married, then?" and his face recovered from the despairing
look.

"Not yet, but as much lost to you as though she were. How is it that you
did not take my last letter to heart and seek a wife abroad? I told you
that Dexie had not changed towards you, though I did all I could to
influence her in your favor. But she has won the heart of a good man, Hugh;
he is everything I could wish for, even in Dexie's husband."

"But I love her so!" The words were low, but seemed wrung from his very
soul, and he turned away toward the window, but without seeing anything of
the prospect beyond.

"Can I see her?" he asked, at last. "Let me hear from her own lips that she
loves another, and, if she really does, I will surely know it. If I find
it is so, I will go away and not trouble her any more. Give me this one
more chance, Mr. Sherwood."

"It will be of no use, Hugh. I may as well tell you so at once; but I will
try and persuade her to see you, though she sent me word just now that she
would not come in while you were here. It is fair enough that you should
hear the truth from her own lips, but I know the interview will be painful
to you both," and Mr. Sherwood pulled the bell-cord that hung above him.

"Tell Dexie I wish to see her here for a few minutes," he said, as Jarvis
answered the summons.

"She has gone out, Mr. Sherwood, and she left word that she would not be
back till tea-time," and she glanced at the foreign-looking gentleman who
made himself so very much at home.

"Very well, that will do," and Jarvis left the room.

"You see how it is, Hugh; she has run out on purpose to get clear of you."

"But that is no sign that I need despair," and there was a happier look in
his eyes than there had been since he heard she was lost to him.

"Ask me to stay, Mr. Sherwood, for I cannot go away till I see her. I must
learn the truth from herself before I leave the house," and the
well-remembered impetuosity of old was visible in his words.

"Certainly, Hugh; stay, of course, but I fear you will not find your
refusal as pleasantly spoken as if you had taken it at second-hand," and a
feeble smile parted his lips for a moment. "But you know Dexie's ways,
Hugh, so you must abide the consequences."

"I have borne much for love of her, and I am still willing to suffer if I
may be rewarded in the end by seeing her once again," he answered
earnestly. "A sight of her face would have been more welcome than an
angel's visit during these long, weary months; to look back on them is like
looking into desolation," he added, in a low, serious tone.

There was silence in the room for some moments. Hugh sat listening for the
first footfall that would announce Dexie's approach, while Mr. Sherwood
lay back, with closed eyes, thinking what an easy solution of the trouble
it would be if Hugh would turn to Gussie for the gift that Dexie denied
him. Then, rousing himself, he talked to Hugh of his travels and adventures
on sea and land.

Meanwhile Dexie had rushed in haste to the house of her friend, and from
thence despatched a note that brought Guy Traverse to her side, and her
agitation and alarm were so great that Guy was almost unable to soothe her.

"I cannot go home without you, Guy. There can be only one thing brought him
here, and I cannot face him unless you are with me."

"I will go with you, certainly, dear, but I cannot understand why you are
so frightened, for by your own description of him he is a gentleman."

A few hurried explanations of Hugh's past history in connection with
herself were given, and Guy grasped the headlines of it as it poured from
Dexie's lips.

"As my promised wife, darling, you need fear no further annoyance from him.
I will see to that," he replied. "Give me a few minutes while I go to the
hotel and change my suit. I have been putting in shafting with the men, and
am hardly presentable in my present condition," he laughingly added.

"I am putting you to great inconvenience, I fear, Guy; but I cannot help
it, for it will not do to send word that I will not go back till he is
gone."

"No, certainly not. He would put a different construction on your absence.
Let me find a more smiling face on my return, darling, for I will take care
of you."

Half an hour later Guy and Dexie had entered the house; and finding that
Hugh was still with her father, she left Guy in the parlor while she sought
Jarvis in the kitchen.

"He is still here, then? Well, tell Eliza she can place _two_ extra plates
for to-night, as Mr. Traverse will be here also," and giving no time for
Jarvis to put the questions she was evidently anxious to have answered, she
returned to the parlor.

"How I wish I could peep into the future and understand the programme of
the next few hours," she said to Guy, as she stood by his side in the
shadow of the window-curtain. "I hope it will be short, but I know by the
shiver in my bones that it will not be sweet. Your adversary's weak point
is his temper, as you will see at a glance; so, Guy, don't--whatever the
provocation--don't lose your own, dear."

Mr. Sherwood's bell sounded through the house, but for the first time it
was unheeded by Dexie. She knew what was wanted, but feared to face it,
even with Guy at her side. But Mrs. Jarvis was in attendance, and she now
appeared in the doorway, saying:

"Your father has found out you are home, and he wishes to see you at once."

With one long look at Guy, Dexie followed her. The excitement had sent a
pretty color to her cheeks, and her eyes were brilliant with suppressed
feeling, but she crossed the room to her father's side without giving a
glance in any direction save on her father's face. Apparently she saw
nothing of the dark eyes that brightened so vividly at the sight of her.
Hugh was not expecting anyone to follow her, and coming more slowly into
the room Guy caught the look on Hugh's face, and his own heart rose up in a
protest against it. Guy had time for a good look at Dexie's unwelcome
admirer before his presence was discovered, and he wondered how it was that
Dexie had not lost her heart long ago to this bold, handsome lover who so
openly declared his passion, for the eager, longing gaze that followed
Dexie's movements was easily read.

"Dexie, here is an old friend come to see you," and her father waved his
hand in Hugh's direction.

Dexie turned herself about, her feelings well under control, and even Guy
was surprised at the easy, natural tone in which she replied:

"How do you do, Mr. McNeil? You are like a bit of Halifax, and, as such, an
old friend."

As she gave him her hand she turned instantly about, adding,

"Guy, this is Mr. McNeil, a gentleman we used to know in Halifax. Mr.
McNeil, Mr. Traverse."

Hugh had not noticed Guy's entrance till Dexie turned to introduce him;
consequently he felt slightly embarrassed, but Guy stepped forward with
outstretched hand, and greeted him frankly and heartily.

"Any friend of yours, Dexie, is sure to meet a welcome from me. Glad to
know you, Mr. McNeil."

It was impossible to resist the pleasant, affable manner in which Guy
spoke. There was a magnetism in his winning smile and in the cordial grasp
of the hand that attracted Hugh in spite of himself.

As Guy continued speaking, Hugh regarded him intently. Was this the man who
had won Dexie from him? The looks interchanged when Dexie spoke said as
much, and there was an air of ownership in Guy's manner that sent an arrow
through Hugh's heart.

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