But Dexie shrank from such an interview, and replied:
"Please excuse me; papa needs me just now."
"No, I don't," came the unexpected reply from her father, who had heard the request as well as the refusal.
Dexie rose slowly to her feet, a look of indecision on her face.
"Go at once," said her father; "Mr. Traverse is waiting for you, Dexie," then she followed him out of the room.
Her cheeks were pink with embarrassment as she waited in silence for Mr. Traverse to speak, and her heart beat wildly as he regarded her with earnest eyes.
"Dexie, tell me honestly, do you wish me to cease visiting here?"
"No, Mr. Traverse;" then after a pause, "papa would miss you."
"But I do not come here on purpose to see your father; you know that very well, Dexie," and the tender, reproachful tone made Dexie droop her head still lower.
"Have I offended you, Dexie, that you are so cool and distant with me?"