"What do you mean, sir!" and Mr. Sherwood was on his feet in a moment.
"Your words and actions are insulting!" By this time Dexie was by her
father's side, ready to give the finishing stroke to her enemy, and gently
pressing her father's arm, said:
"Let me settle this affair, papa. I think, Mr. Plaisted, we can cry quits
from to-day. You have found great delight in calling me 'Dexter.' I hope
you are equally delighted to hear your own name repeated in its most
obnoxious form. I find there is nothing more effective for a man of your
stamp than to treat him as he delights to treat others. It is through my
exertions that you have _enjoyed_ yourself so much to-day, and if you ever
wish to have the pleasure repeated, just call me 'Dexter,' and I'll do my
best to repeat the entertainment."
Everyone looked at Dexie in surprise, and fearing that Plaisted might still
have doubts as to her meaning, she swept him an elaborate courtesy, as she
said:
"Good-bye, my dear Shadrach! don't forget in the future that 'I hold the
whip-handle, dear Shadrach, my Shad!'" and before the family realized what
this scene meant, Dexie had left the room and her voice was heard in the
hall singing:
"Farewell to thee, oh Shadrach! my dearest Shad, adieu;
But Dexter has hereafter the upper hand of you.
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