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Various - " Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 159, October 6, 1920"

Hamilton Wright Mabie - "Books and Culture"

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Becky Saletan, publisher of the adult trade division, will leave next week in a sign of further unraveling at the publisher.

Houghton Mifflin Publisher Resigns
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Stanford Eveleth - Miss Dexie

S >> Stanford Eveleth >> Miss Dexie




Dexie followed her father's eyes and regarded the two men as they talked,
and the fear at her heart sank out of sight. Hugh's recent voyage from
Australia and to New York gave ample opportunity to confine the
conversation to questions and descriptions concerning the Island Continent
and other places he had visited, and there was an amused smile in Dexie's
eyes as she listened, for she knew Guy was keeping up the conversation in
order to gain time and study his rival.

She contrasted the two men who sat reading each other's faces as they
talked. Hugh had regained all his former strength and vigor by his
Australian tour. He had also grown stouter and his shoulders broader; but
the same masterful manner, the same quick glance were present, that made
Dexie's heart beat fast when he turned his gaze upon her.

Guy had more the figure of an athlete, and his quiet, easy manner gave the
impression that his passions were well under control. He looked a man to be
trusted; there was a firm, yet tender look in his eyes that was not unfelt
by the man who sat opposite him. Both were handsome men, though of a
different type, but Hugh's face lacked something that could be felt, if not
described in the one opposite.

Gussie's shrill voice in the hall gave Dexie an opportunity to leave the
room, and she hastened to do so, as something had evidently gone wrong, and
Gussie was protesting and scolding in audible tones, though the words were
not intelligible.

"Hush! Gussie! someone is with papa. What is the trouble?"

"Who is it? Is it company of yours that Eliza is so flurried over that she
cannot attend to me?"

"Mr. McNeil has arrived, Gussie; don't let him hear you talk like that."

"Oh! he has come at last, has he? Well, it's high time! How long is he
going to stay, Dexie?"

But her questions remained unanswered, for Dexie was talking to her mother
on domestic matters, and presently they all assembled in Mr. Sherwood's
room.

Gussie soon noticed how intently Hugh was watching Guy Traverse, and she
made up her mind to "tell Hugh a thing or two" regarding Dexie's behavior,
for since the night Gussie had decided in her own mind about Dexie's ring
she saw there was an unexpected intimacy between her sister and this
engaged young man. She wondered how it happened that Guy was present at
that hour; it would complicate matters with Dexie, surely, but to her
surprise she found herself paired off with Hugh as they went to the supper
table.

"You should have returned long ago, Hugh," she whispered. "Dexie has
developed into a desperate flirt! Just now it is Mr. Traverse, as you can
see for yourself, though she is aware he is engaged to a lady in the city."

"Gussie, are you sure of what you are saying? Is this only a flirtation?"

"Well, I don't see what else you can call it."

"Do you think she has given me up? I have come on purpose to find out."

"Oh! is that all you have come for? Why, I thought it was a settled thing
between you. Then she must be going to marry you just for your money! and
now that I think of it, she said as much," said Gussie bluntly.

There was no chance for further conversation, but Gussie's words raised all
sorts of questions in Hugh's mind, and he watched the couple on the
opposite side of the table, his hopes and fears alternately rising.

Dexie's manner bore out her father's statement, but how was it that Gussie
looked at the matter so differently.

As they rose from the table Guy stood for a moment talking to Mrs.
Sherwood, but Hugh crossed over at once to the window where Dexie was
standing, bending over some flowers.

In his quick, eager tone, Hugh asked:

"Will you give me a few minutes alone, Dexie, when I have come so far on
purpose to see you?"

"I am sorry to hear that request, Mr. McNeil, as it forces me to seem rude
when I would prefer to be cordial. Do not let us renew our old antagonism."

"Dexie, I think, if it ever existed, it has given place to a better
feeling. My heart has been starving for a sight of your face, and you have
grown so beautiful that it is hard to resist the temptation to take you in
my arms."

Dexie shrank away from him, and she gave a quick look at Guy, who was still
talking to her mother, but his smile reassured her. She knew he would soon
be at her side.

"Don't leave me, Dexie," Hugh entreated. "I will not touch you, so do not
he afraid of me. Do you know I have come as fast as I could travel, just to
see you face to face as I do now. Yet I have a further hope in my heart,
Dexie, for Lancy is not between us now."

Dexie's heart beat too fast to allow of a reply, and Hugh added:

"You can guess how glad I was to hear that you and Lancy were friends only,
and from what Gussie tells me there is hope for me yet. Is it so, Dexie?"

"You must not put any faith in Gussie's stories, Mr. McNeil," Dexie managed
to reply. "I am aware she is resting under a delusion, but I did not take
the trouble to convince her of the fact. I was hoping I should not have to
tell you what is surely plain to yourself," blushing as she gave a meaning
glance in Guy's direction.

"Then your father was right! I have come too late! Is that what you wish me
to believe? Think a minute, Dexie, before you say what will rob me of all
hope!" and he bent his head in his eagerness to read her answer in her
truthful face.

"If papa told you I was engaged to Mr. Traverse, he told you the truth,"
Dexie said, in a low tone.

"But do you love him, Dexie? Are you sure your heart is given with your
hand? I was right in Lancy's case, you know."

As he spoke, Guy came over to her side, and she laid her hand on his arm,
and looked into his face with such trust upon her own that Hugh felt she
had answered his question.

"Mr. McNeil, I am not naturally jealous," said Guy, pleasantly, "but if my
little wife is making love to you here, I'm afraid there is danger that I
shall grow that way," and he laid his arm across Dexie's shoulder, and
smiled at them both.

Dexie looked over her shoulder at this declaration, and was surprised to
find there was no one in the room except themselves, but Guy had brought
this about in order to announce their engagement to Hugh.

"Unfortunately for me, the love-making is only on my side," said Hugh,
bitterly. "I cannot win even one word of kindness from Dexie's lips; my
very presence seems unwelcome. She has just given me to understand that she
belongs to you, and I am expected, I suppose, to offer my congratulations;
but I cannot do it--I must get used to the thought first. I am not afraid
or ashamed to confess that I have loved Dexie Sherwood for years--loved her
madly, blindly, though she has given me nothing but hard words and scornful
looks through it all. Months of travel have failed to make me forget her.
She has been like a loadstone drawing me back to her, when in my pride I
would have rejoiced to feel myself free. I would have plucked her out of my
heart if I could, but my love seems a part of my life, and I cannot kill it
while I live myself. I believe you are a noble, generous man, or you never
would have won her heart. Be good to her, since you have taken her from me,
for if I thought there should ever be a time when you would cause a tear to
fall or grieve her heart by a word, I would kill you where you stand!"

Dexie hid her face against Guy's breast as Hugh's hot words poured like a
torrent from his lips, but Guy drew her protectingly to his side, and his
firm, clear voice sounded low and distinct as he replied:

"Have no fear for Dexie, Mr. McNeil! She shall always be my first thought
and care. I cannot blame you for loving her, though it is but natural that,
under the present circumstances, I should regret to hear you own it. Dexie
has given me her love willingly and freely, and I am sure she will be happy
as my wife, the present condition of her father being the only obstacle
that prevents our immediate marriage."

"Forgive me, Traverse! my words were hasty!" and Hugh held out his hand,
"but my heart is sore at the disappointment. I have hastened forward with
all possible speed, hoping for something so different from this, that my
heart rebels. But I shall go back to Halifax, Dexie, and the day I hear of
your marriage I shall propose to Nina Gordon. I wish to my heart she was
dumb! I might persuade myself into thinking sometimes that I had you near
me, if only she would keep her mouth shut! If I cannot have your love, I
may be able to delude myself into thinking that I have your presence near
me occasionally."

"Oh, Mr. McNeil! you cannot mean what you are saying! You surely would not
do such a thing as that!" said Dexie, in a horrified tone. "Your good sense
will prevent you from throwing your life away so needlessly. Oh! I cannot
think that you have a thought of such a thing. It would be dreadful!" and
the dark eyes met his with an eagerness that was questioning.

"I heard you say once that if she were away from her mother one might make
anything they liked of her," said he, more quietly. "I shall make a second
Dexie of her if the thing is possible, for I'll see to it that she keeps
her tongue quiet till it suits her face!"

This was uttered in such a tone that Dexie shuddered. His outbursts of
passion seemed less devilish than this quieter expressed determination, for
it was accompanied with a glint in his eyes that reminded her forcibly of
that memorable boat sail, and her voice was less firm as she replied:

"I cannot think you are in earnest, Mr. McNeil; you would not wreck
another's life for merely an unfortunate resemblance! No! I cannot think it
of you; but it is wicked to say it, even in jest!"

"Would you take even that small comfort from me?" he said, almost fiercely.
"Do you know what love is, and think that I can bear the burden of solitude
that you have laid upon my life; even the solace of your shadow denied me,
while you have everything!"

"There! I think you two had better say no more," Guy firmly though
smilingly remarked. "You will be quarrelling in earnest the first thing I
know. Of course I do not understand what all this means, Mr. McNeil, but I
have such confidence in Dexie's judgment that I join her in the request
that you will do nothing hasty, and throw the best years of your life away
because of this disappointment. Come, shake hands, you two, and make it up,
and let us join Mr. Sherwood in his room, or he will think we have shared
the fate of the Kilkenny cats."

Dexie held out her hand and Hugh clasped it in both his own, and, looking
tenderly into her eyes, said, in a voice so changed that it seemed to come
from other lips:

"Forget my hasty words, Dexie, if they have hurt you, and try to think of
me kindly sometimes. We would have been better friends if I had loved you
less. I give you up, though most unwillingly, for I cannot say now as I did
before that your heart has not awakened, for I see that it has, beyond a
doubt," and like a courtier of old he stooped and kissed her hand.

Gussie was full of curiosity concerning the interview; but when the little
group appeared in the room, their faces told no tales that she could
interpret.

Hugh looked more sober than usual, and listened to the conversation rather
than joined in it. Guy looked cool and composed and, maybe, a trifle
triumphant. Dexie looked rather paler than usual, and remained almost as
silent as Hugh. This might mean much or little, but something in the manner
of each checked Gussie's light chatter.

When Guy rose to go, Hugh rose also, and asked permission to accompany Guy
to his hotel. Then, promising to return the next day to see Mr. Sherwood,
Hugh followed Guy from the room.

At a look from Guy, Dexie followed them into the hall, and while Hugh put
on his coat and gloves, Guy said, in a tender, reassuring tone, as he
smiled into her anxious face, "Do not be alarmed, dearest; there will be no
shooting, I promise. You can trust your friend with me, and I will see
after his comfort; so good-bye till to-morrow, love."

He bent his head and kissed her, though he was aware that a pair of dark
eyes were watching his every movement.

Hugh was very silent as he walked along. The kindly-spoken "Good-night, Mr.
McNeil," did not make him feel his disappointment less keenly.

When the hotel was reached and his room engaged, Hugh turned to Guy,
saying:

"May I go with you to your room for a little while? I shall go away
to-morrow, I think, and I would like to have a talk with you if you have no
objection."

"Certainly! I shall be glad of your company," and Guy led the way to his
room.

"It is no use, Traverse," he said, as Guy tried to draw him into a
conversation on matters in general. "I have no thoughts but for one thing,
and am no company for any man, least of all you; but I want to ask a favor
of you. Tell me of your plans for the future, and let me help you, even in
the smallest way, to bring them about. I coveted wealth at one time,
thinking if I had it all else would come easy; but I have found my money a
burden, because I could not put it to the one use for which I longed to
possess it. Do not be offended, Traverse," for Guy was looking at him
intently, and with a puzzled face; "what I want to say, I say with a good
heart towards you. In business matters, you know, money alone is power. Is
there anything that money could do for you--any position it could procure
for you, which would give Dexie pleasure to see you fill? I am sure you are
ambitious--in your position I would be myself; so tell me your hopes and
plans, and let me help you." "You are most kind, Mr. McNeil, and I thank
you for your generous offer," and he held out his hand, which Hugh clasped
heartily. "I was not prepared for this, but expected to hear reproaches
heaped upon me. I see I did not know you. I am deeply sensible of the kind
thought that suggested this; but I have no need of the help you so kindly
offer. I own to being ambitious, but it is the want of brains more than
money that hampers me at present. Yes," as Hugh looked up inquiringly, "I
am of an inventive turn of mind, and if I can work out the problems that
are hatching in my brain I will win fame as well as money. Your offer is
none the less kind because I cannot accept it. I am sure it will give Dexie
much pleasure to hear of your kindness."

"You do not wish me to have any share in your happiness," Hugh said, with
downcast features. "Well, I daresay I would feel the same myself were I in
your place; but, be generous, Traverse. Think how long I have loved her,
before you ever saw her at all, and contrast the blank my life will be with
the happiness in store for you in the future. Let me do something for you,
Traverse."

"Believe me, McNeil, if there was anything you could do for me I would
gladly accept it, if only by way of atonement--not that I think that I
alone stood in your way, but for the pleasure I know it would be to you to
serve her or hers. My position is better than most men of my age, and since
I have won Dexie's hand I have frequently thought there is nothing more I
require to make me contented and happy."

There was a few minutes' silence, when Hugh asked, with a perceptible
paleness in his dark face,

"When do you expect to be married?"

"She will not leave home while her father lives; whether we shall be
married while he is so ill, I cannot say. Much depends on circumstances.
Her father is a very sick man, though owing to his cheerfulness the fact is
not apparent to everyone."

The conversation was carried on until the clock struck the midnight hour.
Hugh seemed to lay bare his heart to his successful rival, and Guy listened
in surprise to the account of his many efforts to win Dexie's favor, even
so far as to tell of the unfortunate boat sail and its consequences.

Guy's heart was full of pity as he listened. How much Hugh loved her when,
in spite of the rebuffs and scornful refusals, he could be so blinded by
passion as to dare attempt to win a promise by such rash and desperate
means! Dexie's love for himself seemed all the greater since it had stood
such a siege from this fierce, passionate man, and Guy wondered no longer
that Dexie was alarmed when she heard of his coming.

When Hugh mentioned what Gussie had said of the "city girl," Guy could not
help smiling, and explaining the circumstances that gave rise to the story,
added:

"I believe it was one of your letters that Gussie captured that night, Mr.
McNeil; but as I played the lover and claimed the letter, Gussie felt
obliged to believe me, and my imaginary city girl has kept her quiet ever
since."

"I can well believe the distress Dexie felt when she heard the letter read
aloud. You did a kind act that not one in a hundred would have dared to do.
No wonder she loves you. But away so far from her, it seemed that I could
not bear my life if I did not tell her, even on paper, what was in my
heart. I am glad to know you, Traverse; if I cannot win her myself, it is a
comfort to know she is in such good keeping."

At last Hugh rose to go, and the hands of the accepted and the rejected
lover met in a warm, friendly grasp.

The next day when Hugh made his appearance at Mr. Sherwood's, and made
known the fact that he had spent the forenoon with Guy at his office, Dexie
looked her surprise, but she blushed with pleasure to hear his words of
praise when speaking of her lover.

Hugh remained several days in Lennoxville, but he seldom made his
appearance at the house unless in company with Guy.

Gussie could not understand this at all, but her spiteful remarks were so
wide of the mark that they were only amusing.

She needed no one to tell her that Hugh was as much in love with Dexie as
ever, yet why he allowed Guy Traverse to monopolize her was a mystery that
was incomprehensible.

Hugh spent the last evening of his stay at the Sherwoods', and, in spite of
Gussie's raillery, he was silent and sad; even Guy could not rouse him into
cheerfulness.

During the evening he obtained a few minutes' conversation with Mr.
Sherwood, and his low, earnest words brought a mist to the eyes of the sick
man.

"I am truly sorry for your disappointment, Hugh," was the low reply, "but
you prove beyond a doubt that her happiness is still dear to you when you
propose to do such a thing. But wait awhile, and think it over. You may
form other ties, and there may be others who will have a stronger claim on
you than the wife of Guy Traverse. Oh, yes! yes! I know the money is your
own, and you can do what you like with it, but Dexie would not approve of
this, neither would Traverse."

A few minutes before it was time to leave for the train Guy came behind
Hugh and whispered a few words in his ear, words that sent a flash of light
and joy into his dark, sad face.

"God bless you, Traverse, for this kindness; I was getting desperate; five
minutes will suffice," was the reply, and he slipped out of the room,
crossed the hall, and a moment more was standing by Dexie's side.

"Traverse told me you were here, Dexie, and that I might come and say
good-bye to you alone," and taking her hands in his own, added:

"Dexie, if there should come a time when you need a friend, or if you
should ever be in trouble, will you promise to let me know and let me be
the one to help you? You know how gladly I would serve you."

"Thank you, Mr. McNeil, you are very kind; I will not forget your offered
help. I hope you will have a pleasant journey home," and she drew away her
hands and turned away.

"Dexie, when we parted in Halifax you gave me angry looks, even at the
moment of parting, but there was a hope in my heart that helped me to bear
it. It is different now; do not add to my present misery the memory of your
cool, indifferent words. Lift up your face and say, 'Good-bye, Hugh.' Do,
Dexie."

Dexie stood irresolute a moment, then, giving him her hand, she lifted her
eyes, and said in a low tone:

"Good-bye, Hugh; I did not mean to be cool or indifferent, for you have
been kinder than I dared to expect."

Something in her tone and words swept Hugh's self-control to the winds, and
he clasped her to his heart.

"My darling! my darling! must I indeed say good-bye forever; it is like
parting with you at the grave," and his hot kisses touched cheek and brow.
"I cannot bear it, Dexie. Oh! if I could die now with you here in my arms;
my darling! my darling!"

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.

"It was no use, Traverse; the first kind word unmanned me, and made me
forget that you trusted me. I have held her in my arms and kissed her face;
but forgive me, Traverse, if you can, it is the last time," and giving a
long, imploring look at Dexie, who stood with her face buried in her hands,
added, in a low voice:

"I am ready, Traverse; let us go at once, and may God help me to get over
this," and with his arm drawn through Guy's they both walked out into the
night.




CHAPTER XLII.


One morning when Dexie was out in the back garden whistling like a bird,
and busy about some domestic matters, someone outside the high fence
called:

"Georgie! I say, Georgie! come here a minute."

No answer being received, a shower of small pebbles came over the fence,
and the call was repeated.

Thinking it was Mark Perrin, a wild young lad with whom Georgie was
forbidden to associate, Dexie called out:

"Go away from here at once, you torment, or you'll get your jacket dusted
for you," and hastening to the gate as if eager to perform the operation,
she found Guy Traverse awaiting the promised punishment.

Astonishment rendered her silent for a moment, when she laughingly
exclaimed:

"For pity sake, Guy! was it you threw the pebbles?"

"Yes, and am I to believe that it was you who was whistling?"

"Well, as you took me for Georgie, it must have been well done, so I'll own
to the whistling; but what brings you here so early in the morning? I am
not dressed for visitors at this hour," and she glanced down at her short
frock, that revealed a neat foot and well-turned ankle; then pulling
forward the sun-bonnet that had fallen back from her head, added:

"This is the latest style. I hope you admire it."

"I do, indeed," and his face filled the front of it for a moment.

"Oh! do come in till I shut the gate; someone might see us. Now, what do
you want with Georgie, if I may ask?" and she lifted a saucy face to his.

"I didn't want him particularly, but I thought it was he who was whistling,
and I was going to ask him to look for you, but as it is your own sweet
self, so much the better, for I want to speak to you here a minute."

"But why here, at the back gate?"

"I wanted to ask if you would drive into the country with me, as I have to
go on a matter of business."

"Then why didn't you go to the front door and ask me properly, sir?"

"Well, I am going to, just as soon as I find out if you can come or not.
You were up part of the night with your father, and I did not know but you
were resting or too busy to come with me. In that case, Gussie might feel
it her duty to accompany me."

"Oh, I see! I shall be most happy to accept your invitation, Mr. Traverse;
so go around to the front door and ask me like a gentleman."

Shutting the gate after him, she entered the house, intending to have a
little fun over the invitation.

His ring at the door was answered by Gussie, and Mr. Sherwood, who was
dozing on his couch, brightened at once as he saw who was the visitor.

"A splendid morning, Traverse," was his greeting. "You are early to-day."

"Yes, I have called to see if you could spare Dexie for a drive with me
this morning."

"Certainly. Gussie, hunt her up."

"Dexie is very busy this morning, papa," Gussie replied, "but I am at
leisure, Mr. Traverse, if you are looking for company."

"Busy, is she?" said Mr. Sherwood; "then go and relieve her, Gussie, for
she has been up half the night and needs a rest," and raising his voice,
called:

"Dexie, Dexie; come here."

Dexie was standing outside the door waiting for this summons, and she
entered the room, her head still enveloped in the enormous sun-bonnet, her
arms bare to the elbow, and her whole appearance proclaiming her a busy
little woman.

"Did you call me, papa?" and she stepped to his side.

The contrast between them was too painful, and Gussie blushed with
embarrassment, and hastily exclaimed:

"Leave the room, Dexie, Mr. Traverse is here."

"Where!" and the scoop-like bonnet was turned in his direction.

"Oh, good morning, Mr. Traverse. Excuse my toilet, but we wash sometimes at
our house, and this is one of the times. Fine morning this for
washerwomen. Now, what do you want of me, papa?" and she turned leisurely
to her father again, much to Gussie's horror.

"Well, Traverse called to take you for a drive, but I doubt if he will care
to ask you after seeing you in such a rig."

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