"Do gentlemen usually announce their approaching marriage before saying a
word to the lady in question? I am not so easily deceived as you think, Mr.
Traverse."
"But, Dexie, you would not let me say the word, though I have sought an
opportunity for weeks past. Dearest, I have loved you since I first knew
you, even during the time I thought you were promised to another. I hid it
then in my own breast; but lately, since I heard you were free, you have
given me no chance to tell you of my love. Sometimes I have felt that you
knew it, Dexie, and that you were not indifferent. To-day I asked your
father's permission to win you, and he gave his consent."
"So I was bargained for and sold like a horse!" and her eyes flashed
indignantly, "and I have nothing to say in the matter whatever! How much
was I considered worth?" Then overcome by her feelings she sank down on the
sofa, and hiding her face in the cushion burst into tears.
Guy was kneeling beside her in a moment, and with one arm thrown around her
said tenderly,
"Dexie, you know better. You know your father loves you and would keep you
beside him always if he could.
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