H. A. Cody - "Under Sealed Orders"

Various - "Scientific American Supplement, No. 717, September 28, 1889"

Erasmus - "Een twaalftal samenspraken"

Kathleen Burke - "The White Road to Verdun"

Books of The Times: It’s Still Making the World Go ’Round
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
Michael Wolff has written a supercilious yet star-struck portrait of Rupert Murdoch, the planet’s most notorious press baron.

Books of The Times: A Media Mogul With Relentless Moxie
Mr. Friedlaender was a book-loving lawyer and financial adviser whose collection of early printed books caused a stir in bibliophilic circles when it went to auction.

Stanford Eveleth - Miss Dexie

S >> Stanford Eveleth >> Miss Dexie




"If it is your reception you are afraid of, Dexie, then set your mind at
rest. Even the rougher element would as soon think of hissing a canary."

"But you forget, Lancy, that to be the first to appear in a part so unusual
is of itself a risky thing. Had it not been announced I would not mind it
so much, as it would be unexpected by the audience, and the very audacity
of it would have won to my side the rougher element. As it is, the audience
will expect something beyond my power to give them."

"Looking at it in that way, I admit that the announcement was a mistake,
Dexie, since it has made you apprehensive of your power to charm; but no
one else doubts it, dear, and I feel sure that my Dexie will not put her
friends in the embarrassing position that would arise if she purposely
stayed away from the concert to-night. I grant that the announcement was a
mistake, as you look at it, and that it was very thoughtless of those who
got it up to send it to press without submitting it to your inspection; but
having done so, and sold hundreds of tickets on the strength of the
announcement, common honesty should make you fulfil your part. If your
absence only affected the members of the club, it would not matter so much,
but hundreds of outsiders would blame the club for obtaining money under
false pretences; so you see, Dexie, you really cannot stay home. Do be
reasonable, darling."

A deep blush tinged Dexie's cheeks, brought there by something else than
the frosty air, and for a few minutes there was silence between them.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sherwood had started out for a walk in order to quiet the
anxiety that filled his mind, and meeting Mr. Ross down by the Grand Parade
he astonished the man by telling him of Dexie's determination.

"But, Mr. Sherwood, she _must_ come," he cried aghast. "Her performance has
been announced and is the talk of the city."

"Can't help it, Mr. Ross. I am extremely sorry, but it was that very
announcement that has caused the trouble. She says you have insulted her,
and she has cried and scolded ever since she set eyes on it."

"Yet I expected the reverse. What's to be done?"

The question was as helpless as the man's face was hopeless.

"Well, I can't say. I can use my authority and insist on her going to the
hall, but you know the old saying, 'You can drive a horse to water, but you
can't make him drink.' It was only this morning that she came across a
handbill, and she flew home in such a temper that it put the whole house in
an uproar. I can truly say it has quite upset me, for I was anxious to have
her do her best to-night."

"But if I go and apologize, and assure her of my unwillingness to cause her
a moment's annoyance, surely I might make amends for my unintentional
mistake. I will do anything, everything, Mr. Sherwood, that you can
suggest."

"Believe me, Mr. Ross, everything possible has been already done to make
her see that you had no intention of 'insulting' her, and we have had to
pass her over to our next-door neighbors. If they fail, you can try your
persuasive powers. She is out driving with young Gurney just now, and we
are simply living on our hopes."

"I trust he will succeed. I would hardly dare to face the people to-night
without her. Come and see how well the hall looks while we await her
return; then I must see her and explain."

"Better not, Mr. Ross, unless you have some other excuse for calling. If
young Gurney gets her to change her mind, you had better make your peace
with her after the concert is over, instead of risking it beforehand."

"Very true; but I might call with a bouquet for both of your daughters, and
I need not refer to the matter if her consent has been already secured."

"Such an errand would seem natural and should do much towards earning
forgiveness," was the smiling reply.

A revolution was going on in Dexie's mind as the sleigh flew over the level
road, and Lancy watched the varying expressions, for he had learned to read
her face like an open book. Checking the speed of his horse, he turned to
her and asked if she felt the least cold.

"Not at all, Lancy; the air is just frosty enough to make it enjoyable."

"The roads are somewhat better than they were last winter when I took you
out in the storm. Will you ever forget it, Dexie?"

"I am never allowed to, it seems; but I wish I could drop that twenty-four
hours out of my memory,"--annoyed that Lancy referred to the time that was
associated with his declaration of love. "I wish you would forget that
unfortunate drive and all connected with it. It is no pleasure to remember
how near we came to freezing to death," she added.

"Well, Dexie, if you will only look at that side of it, why not repay me
for the trouble I took for you that night, and do me a favor in return?"

"If any favor I can do will forever relieve me of any obligation I may be
under, you have only to name it," said she coolly, "providing the favor is
within reason, though."

"No, I'll not ask it, nor put it that way; not for all the concerts that
will ever be held!" he hotly answered. "But, Dexie," and his voice grew
tender again, "if the same motive would move you to grant me this favor
that impelled me to save you that night, you would make me very happy."

"And this favor, Lancy?"

"Remove the anxiety you have caused us all, and overlook what has vexed
you, and come with me to the concert. You know I can't go without you, and
our absence will spoil it. My wilful Dexie, don't you think you were rather
hasty in your judgment this morning?"

"My judgment don't amount to much when once my temper is up, as you know
very well, Lancy; but I'll acknowledge that I do feel rather ashamed of
myself, for making such a fuss, though I still think it was a shabby trick
to advertise me that way."

"So it was, Dexie; but will you make one shabby trick the excuse for a
second? You will take back your refusal, my Dexie?"

"Well, Lancy, perhaps I would, if it were not too late; but it is too late
to repent now, for my dress isn't ready, and there are endless other
matters to see to that would have kept me busy the whole day, so my
repentance will do no good. In fact I haven't the faintest idea what I did
with the purchases I made this morning, unless I flung them into the street
as I rushed along. What a fright I must have looked! But I don't believe I
met a soul that knew me; that's one comfort, anyway."

"Then you would whistle to-night if only your dress were ready?"

"Well, I hate awfully to say it, Lancy, but I do believe I would, for I did
not think that my absence would spoil your part of the performance when I
spoke so decidedly."

"Then we will consider the matter settled, for your dress will be ready
when it is time to put it on," and a look of relief spread over his face.
"Mother said she would see about it if you would only go."

"Oh, dear! Does your mother know how silly I have been? Who could have told
her?"

"Never mind, Dexie. She knows you won't come back as naughty as you went
out. She felt sure of that."

"Lancelot Gurney! Did you take me out on purpose--on purpose to make me
change my mind? Well, well! how eagerly I ran into the trap that was set to
catch me," and a smothered laugh rang out on the frosty air.

"All's well that ends well, you know. Your father was in despair when your
Aunt Jennie could not manage you, so he turned you over to us. Since I have
proved myself so capable, that ought to speak well for me in the future,
eh, Dexie?" and he smiled mischievously into her eyes. "But I'm not quite
sure of you yet, Dexie. Give me your word that you will whistle
to-night--honor bright, mind."

"Yes, _honor bright_, Lancy. I'll whistle, or try to, if they don't hiss me
when I begin. Now, turn back, and let us get home as quickly as possible;
there will be a lot of humble pie waiting for me. I may as well eat it and
have it done with. I feel worse to meet your mother than all the rest."

"You forget that I have an errand at the Four-Mile House. That will give us
a chance to get warmed, and then for a wild drive home."

When they arrived at the hotel they were glad to find the parlor vacant,
for they could monopolize the fire that burned so brightly in the grate,
besides enjoying the liberty of free speech.

"You may as well lay aside your wraps, Dexie, as we will not start for home
for half an hour," said Lancy, as he returned from an interview with the
landlord.

When the sleigh was again brought to the door, there was a triumphant look
in Lancy's face that contrasted well with the rosy cheeks of his companion.

"We will have the wind in our faces going home, Dexie, so be sure and wrap
up your mouth and throat. It will never do to spoil your whistle after all.
I tell you what, Dexie," he added, as he helped her adjust the fleecy
scarf, "I feel myself quite a diplomatist, and I shall claim remuneration
for this afternoon's work. Do you know what will square the bill?"

"Possibly I may guess your terms, sir, but I shall claim the usual three
months' credit," and a saucy face was lifted to his.

"Not three hours shall I wait," he laughingly replied, as he followed the
figure that passed so swiftly from his arms. "I have a good notion to claim
'cash on delivery,'" helping her into the sleigh.

"I fancy you would not find it easy to enforce your claim, sir."

"Don't be too sure of that, my Dexie. I have had too hard an afternoon's
work to do it for nothing, and 'kiss number two' would settle the account."

There was no chance for further conversation, for Lancy needed to give his
attention to the spirited animal before him. It was generally a "wild
drive" when Bob wore the harness, unless he were kept well in check, and to
those who hastily took the side of the road as the sleigh flew by, it did
indeed look like a "wild drive," for the pace never slacked until the house
was reached.

There were many anxious eyes on the lookout for their arrival, as Dexie
noted with shame, but she determined to face the matter boldly, and if
possible make some amends for the trouble and anxiety she had caused.

The front door of both houses opened simultaneously as the sleigh drove up,
Mr. Sherwood appearing at one and Cora at the other, and a hundred
questions could not have asked more than the one word which fell from the
lips of both--

"Well?"

Dexie sprang out on the sidewalk, and with a wave of her hand in Lancy's
direction, answered the question in dramatic tones:

"See! the conquering hero comes!"

That was enough; they all understood her, and Elsie, who was standing on
the doorstep, flew into the house where the busy needles were flying,
shouting as she ran:

"Yes! she is going! Lancy has managed her! She is all right again!"

"There, save that little comedy till by and by, and come in here," said Mr.
Sherwood, smiling, in spite of himself at the way Dexie had announced her
surrender.

"Come into our house as soon as you can, Dexie," Cora called after her
retreating figure. "We want you for something."

What a feeling of relief her arrival caused! They had scarcely realized how
great was the tension until their anxiety was removed. But all seemed to
breathe more freely, and the preparations for the concert went briskly on.

Dexie threw off her wraps in the hall, and followed her father into the
sitting-room, where Aunt Jennie sat waiting.

"You are back, my dear," was the aunt's quiet greeting.

"Yes, auntie, and ready to eat all the humble pie you have prepared for
me."

"I have prepared none, my dear, but I am pleased to see that you are ready
and willing to eat some. Your father has passed a miserable time waiting
for your appearance."

"Poor papa!" and Dexie threw her arms around his neck. "How horrid I have
been, to be sure. Now, lay on the stripes easy, and I'll promise not to do
so any more," and she playfully held out her hand.

"You had better not, you little tyrant," drawing her to him. "I believe my
hair has turned grey with the anxiety you have caused me."

"Oh, so it has! here is one hair quite grey; yes, actually two of them!
I'll show you," and a couple of hairs were withdrawn with a jerk.

"Stop! you torment," catching her by both arms. "Isn't it enough that my
hair has turned grey? Must you make me bald as well? I thought Lancy was
going to sober you down before he brought you back. I'll have to call him
in to finish his job."

"No, I'm going to be good, I really am; so say you are not cross with me
any more, then I must run off and see about my dress."

"Well, I'll forgive you this time; but if you cut up any more such capers,
I'll hand you over to young Gurney for good."

"But I won't be handed over, you dear old papa," giving him a squeeze that
almost choked him. "I will not exchange my papa for the best-looking young
gentleman you can find in the city. But, papa! do persuade Gussie to leave
my shortcomings alone, for the next few hours at least," she added, in a
low tone.

"I will see that she does not annoy you. Now, don't you think you had
better go and practise awhile?"

"Couldn't think of it, papa mine!" Then, taking her father's face between
her two hands, she looked earnestly into his eyes, saying: "Do you think
there is the _least_ danger of me breaking down to-night? Do you? Confess
the truth, sir!" she laughingly demanded.

"Well, no; I don't think there is."

"Neither do I. Trust your naughty tomboy; she is going to 'eclipse all her
former efforts and cover herself with glory.' But, wait you till I see Mr.
Ross," and she shook her head. "I will forgive him for _this_ night only,
and then--well, never mind! How is mamma? Is she very angry with me?" she
added, presently.

"Not so much as might be expected. You must let her see you when you are
dressed."

"Oh! Aunt Jennie, _did_ you see anything of a stray parcel, with some lace
and other things inside of it? or have I really tossed it into the street?"

"It is in at Mrs. Gurney's with the rest of your apparel for to-night. I
have just finished Gussie's suit, and she is all ready to dress. Gloves and
all are waiting upstairs."

"Oh, dear! what shall I do, auntie? I completely forgot the gloves. That
abominable handbill turned my brain, I do believe; and I thought I was
learning to control my temper! Oh, dear!"

"Don't fret, my dear! The best of us are put out sometimes. But everything
has been prepared for you in at Mrs. Gurney's; for Lancy's success rests on
your appearance, and they were all anxious on his account as well as your
own."

"Well, I suppose I must go in next door and apologize; but I would rather
get a switching than see Mrs. Gurney."

Dexie's appearance was heralded by a number of little voices, as she made
her way to the sewing-room with heightened color and eyes bright with
unshed tears.

"I beg pardon of each one of you, separately and collectively," Dexie
began. "I never dreamed that my fit of temper was going to affect both
households. You are more than kind, and I have no words to thank you."

"Well, don't do it, then," said Elsie; "save your breath, and run upstairs
and see your dress, instead. Come, let me show you the finery."

"Where is your mother? I must see her a moment. How does my nose look now,
Elsie?" she added, as they went through the hall.

"It looks as if it ought to be tweaked again, you bad girl! But oh, Dexie!
your dress is lovely."

And so thought Dexie herself as she stood by the bed whereon it lay, and
she bitterly reproached herself for the anxiety her waywardness had caused.

Tears were in her eyes as Mrs. Gurney came quietly into the room.

"Dear Mrs. Gurney--" She could say no more, but the eloquent eyes told the
story quite as well as if it had been spoken by the quivering lips.

"There, my dear! There! never mind. It was only a mistake, and we all make
mistakes sometimes; so don't fret any more. See how nicely we have managed.
Do you like it, my dear?"

"So very much that I feel I shall never be able to repay you for the
trouble"--her eyes still full of tears.

"Oh, yes, you will, I expect payment this very night," and the firm, cool
hand was laid lovingly across Dexie's shoulder. "When I hear that you have
overlooked the cause of the trouble, and have sung and whistled your very
best, and to Lancy's satisfaction--when I have heard this, I will consider
the debt well paid," and she bent over and kissed the wet cheeks. "You had
better try on the gloves, dear; then see if we have forgotten any one
thing."

The face was soon wreathed in smiles. The many things made ready for her
use by her dear friends made her realize how much they cared for her, and
her girlish heart beat fast as she thought of the triumph she was
determined to win, if only to please them.

"We are going to have an early tea, and then we will begin to dress," said
Cora, making her appearance in the room. "You must put yourself into my
hands to-night, Dexie, so be passive and obedient. We have all set our
hearts on your success, Dexie, dear."

"And I will not disappoint you, I promise. I would be a monster of iniquity
if I did not do my best, after making so much extra trouble for everybody
to-day."

"Ask Gussie to come in with you for tea, Dexie," said Mrs. Gurney, "and if
she will bring in her dress, one can help the other get ready."

"Oh, that will be splendid! But I don't want any tea; we had a nice lunch
at the Four-Mile House, and I won't eat anything more till after the
concert. So you can leave my share till then," she said with a smile.
"What new whim possesses you now, Dexie?" asked Elsie.

"It is not a whim. I am going to put forth my best efforts to-night, and I
can whistle better if I do not eat."

"What nonsense! did you ever try it?"

"Not purposely, but I know I can."

"That is right, Dexie; use every means to enable you to appear at your
best."




CHAPTER XVII.


Mr. Ross had lingered near the house ever since he had parted from Mr.
Sherwood, so anxious was he to hear the decision of his erratic "warbler,"
and he was much relieved when he saw the sleigh drive up to the door at a
much earlier hour than he had dared to hope.

Feeling quite sure that she had reversed her hasty decision, he turned his
steps to the nearest conservatory, from which he emerged later on bearing a
box which contained what he hoped would prove his "peace-offering."

He was received by Mr. Sherwood, who had observed his approach from the
window, and his smiling face told the story before there was time to
exchange words thereon.

"Can I see her?" asked Mr. Ross, as he heard of Lancy's success.

"Well, I'm afraid not; she is engaged, I believe. I suppose you wish to
hear her rehearse?"

"Yes."

"Well, I'm afraid you will have to be content with the promise that she
gave to me, that 'she would do her best.' Depend on it, she will not
disappoint any of us to-night. I'll answer for that."

"But I should like so much to see her. I would like to apologize for my
unintentional mistake. Will you take this bouquet to her with my
compliments, and ask if I may see her for a few moments?"

"She is in Mrs. Gurney's at present," said Mr. Sherwood, "but if you will
wait here I will step in and see her; but I do not think it will be wise to
insist on an interview. My daughter has a temper of her own, and that
announcement has provoked her in a way I never saw equalled, so unless she
seems perfectly willing to see you, she should be let alone, until after
the concert any way."

Mr. Sherwood was soon in the next hall inquiring for his daughter, and she
came down the stairs behind Mrs. Gurney, who also stopped to speak to her
next-door neighbor.

"Dexie," said Mr. Sherwood, "Mr. Ross sends his compliments with this
bouquet, and wishes to know if you will see him and allow him to explain,
or apologize, whichever you choose to call it," and he handed her the
fragrant flowers.

Instantly they were flung to the end of the hall, and an angry flush rose
in her cheeks as she exclaimed, hotly:

"Tell Mr. Ross that I--"

"Dexie, my dear, your promise," came the quiet words from Mrs. Gurney.

"Oh! do forgive me, this once more, Mrs. Gurney," and Dexie rushed after
the ill-used flowers; then, in a changed voice, gave the message:

"Tell Mr. Ross that I appreciate his compliments--oh! highly," and she made
a grimace, "also his flowers. They smell nice--what is left of them; but
I--oh, papa!--I can't see him. Must I go and hear him talk when the very
thought of him makes me angry? Make him go away and leave me. I have
promised to do the best I can to-night. What more can he ask?"

"You need not see him unless you choose; I will take him your excuses," and
he left the house, and returned to Mr. Ross.

"I have brought her excuses in place of herself, and you must rest content
with that, Mr. Ross. I think it will not be best to risk the chance of a
second refusal, and but for Mrs. Gurney's interference I would have had to
bring it, I fear. Let it pass till some other time and take no notice of
any coolness she may show to-night, for that public announcement has cut
her deeply."

"I am grieved to hear it, Mr. Sherwood; I will endeavor to atone for it at
some future time," and with a few parting words he left the house. Very
pretty was the picture that the young girls made, as they fluttered about
the rooms helping each other to put the finishing touches to their toilets.
Gussie's pink and white complexion looked lovelier than ever when set off
with a suit in which pale blue and white lace formed the chief parts. Dexie
seemed like a gleam of summer sunshine as she fluttered here and there; her
pretty suit had been draped with some gauzy material, that glistened and
sparkled as the light fell through its folds. The long sleeves had been
replaced by short lace ones, trimmed to match the pretty lace bertha, and
the long handsome gloves quite completed her costume.

"There, I believe we are all ready at last," said Dexie, as she picked up
her neglected flowers. "Let me fasten this cluster of rosebuds in your
belt, Cora, as the finishing touch; then I will make a _boutonniere_ for
Lancy's coat."

"Why, Dexie, you are spoiling your bouquet!" and Cora seized her hand. "I
cannot rob you of your flowers."

"But you will take them as a gift, Cora, since they are so beautiful. It
would be a pity not to use them. I do not intend to carry them, for I want
no flowers from Mr. Ross."

"But perhaps Mr. Ross will not be pleased if you give your flowers away,"
said Gussie, holding her own bouquet daintily to her nose.

"I fancy that his pleasure or displeasure will not affect me," and an angry
gleam brightened her eyes. "I merely accepted them as a peace-offering
which binds me for this night only. If the flowers help to make someone
else entrancing, they will fulfil their mission as well as if I carried
them."

"Well, if we are all ready let us go down and show ourselves to our private
families before we try to charm the eyes and ears of the public," said
Cora. "Your parents are in the parlor, Dexie; go and make your best bow,
before you put on your wraps; Gussie, do likewise," and Cora gave a
sweeping look over their figures. "Why, Dexie!" she added, "are you not
going to wear any jewelry after all?" and she pointed to the case she had
opened for Dexie's selection.

"Please, if you don't mind, I would rather not. I feel dressed enough."

"So you are, Dexie," Lancy exclaimed, coming to the door at this moment.
"Flashing jewels could not improve you, for you look stunning already. But
the horses are waiting in the cold, while you girls are admiring
yourselves."

With that they ran down the stairs, all except Dexie, who turned to the
dressing-table in search of a pin, and as they left the room Lancy came
hastily towards her.

"Oh! is it you, Lancy? I have saved some flowers for you. Shall I pin them
on?"

As she did so, Lancy slipped his arm around her, and his admiring eyes
confirmed the words that fell from his lips. "You are beautiful to-night,
Dexie. You need not fear any audience with those brilliant eyes and cherry
lips. You will win all hearts, as you have mine."

Dexie lifted her eyes in surprise, and saw a lover's face very near her
own, and before she could retreat he had pressed her to his heart, and
kissed her on both cheeks.

"For shame! look!" and she pointed to a mirror where their images were
reflected. "What would your mother say to such rudeness, sir?"

"I think she would say, 'Dexie, give Lancy one kiss for his trouble this
afternoon.' Don't you think I deserve one, my Dexie?"

But Dexie flew past him and downstairs to the parlor, where her parents and
Aunt Jennie were awaiting her.

"How do you like my looks, mamma? Am I not pretty, for once?" she asked.

"If you had behaved as well as you look I would see no cause for
complaint," said her mother coolly; "but a 'daw in borrowed feathers' is
never a pretty sight."

"But, mamma, I am going to be just as good as I look, for this evening
anyway; and I am sure, if my eyesight does not deceive me and my friends do
not flatter, that I never looked better, so I'm content," and she left the
room to put on her outside garments.

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