"I do not know why the report, true or otherwise, should trouble any person, Mr. Traverse," and she stooped to pick up some scattered music, and hide her face at the same time.
"It is more to me than you think, Miss Dexie. If you will admit that the report is true, I will not trouble you with further questions; but I understand, from what your father said, that the rumor is not correct."
"Papa had no right to tell you anything, Mr. Traverse, but I fancy you are not much the wiser for any information he may have given you."
Her blushing cheeks and downcast eyes did certainly convey the impression that her father was not aware how matters stood, so he replied:
"No, I am not much wiser, I must admit, for I cannot make what he told me agree with that engagement ring."
"Do all rings have that significance? Gussie frequently wears several without implicating any gentleman," smiling.
"Dexie, you do not know how much this means to me, and I do not know if I have a right to explain. When I remember how much you told me the night that Gussie read your letter, I do not see why you should hesitate to tell me the rest now."
"What was it that papa told you, Mr. Traverse?" Dexie asked, in a low tone.
"Only that you were free. Yet how can I believe that, with this ring on your finger denying the fact, and that music has some connection with the past, that touches your heart, or why is it sacred to one person alone. I do not understand it, Dexie."