' stands for. When I was a
little shaver my father was particularly interested in the history of the
Prophet Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and
I believe he fully intended to name me after the four of them; but at my
christening mother drew the line at Shadrach. I am just as close regarding
my second name as Dexie is about her own--so close, in fact, that not one
of my schoolmates ever found it out."
"But did they never ask what the 'S.' stood for?" Gussie asked.
"Of course! but Dan_u_el gave it as Samuel, and had to answer to the name
of 'Dan_u_el Sam_u_el'; but that was better than the changes they would
have rung on my right name."
Dexie was an unintentional listener to this explanation, and it did not
raise Mr. Plaisted in her estimation. It was so like him to treat another
in a way he would object to himself; but after awhile the name came back to
her, "Shadrach." Where had she seen or heard that name before? "Shadrach;
Shadrach," she mused. "I have it!" she said at last; "the 'Widow Bedott'!"
and with the thought she flew up the stairs like a whirlwind.
Dexie was soon in the attic kneeling beside an old box filled with books
and papers.
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