"
Plaisted was about to spring after her when Mr. Sherwood caught his arm.
"What does all this mean, Plaisted? Explain yourself, sir!"
"It means that I am the victim of the most diabolical practical joke that
was ever perpetrated on an individual, and it appears that Miss Dexie is at
the bottom of it, though you have all assisted her in carrying it out."
"If there is any joke afloat I am entirely ignorant of it, Plaisted, I
assure you," said Mr. Sherwood. "I see that something is amiss, but I have
no idea what it is, though apparently Dexie is not so innocent."
"Let me explain," cried Mr. Plaisted. "Miss Dexie has, in some way, found
out what my second name is, and that it is as hateful to me as 'Dexter' is
to her, and she has made it the subject of a very cruel joke. As I supposed
that nobody knew my full name, you can judge of my surprise when I
received this from the office," and he held forth the valentine.
"Oh! that's only a valentine, Plaisted. You surely did not allow such a
little thing to disturb you?" said Mr. Sherwood.
"But see what the envelope contains," he urged, bringing out the bedecked
fish.
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