"It was quite amusing
to see the effect of the announcement on the whole of you. I thought you
were going to jump out of your chair; Miss Gussie was evidently surprised,
but was not very much put out at the news; and Dexie--well, she hardly
expected it, but she seemed pleased to hear she was likely to get rid of
me," and he laughed again.
Just then Dexie came into the room carrying a little alcohol lamp with
attachments for keeping hot her father's beef tea, and she stopped abruptly
as she saw Traverse, saying almost rudely:
"You here! why I thought you had gone long ago!"
"Come! never mind looking at Traverse; I want my tea. I hope it is strong
and hot."
Dexie colored slightly as she poured it out and helped him to raise his
head as he drank it, knowing how a pair of eyes were watching her.
"Shall I shake your pillows while you are up, papa?"
"No; they are quite comfortable. Perhaps you don't care to believe that
Traverse is almost as handy a nurse as yourself; but there! he can never be
quite so good as my own little girl," and he drew her down to his side.
"You look pale yet, papa. Are you sure the pain is gone? There are more hot
cushions outside if you would like them.
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