"So you did! My young man stayed to breakfast. What do you think of that? He says he is going to plead 'extenuating circumstances,' if he is brought to the bar. But don't you think you would like a cup of coffee and a nice piece of toast?"
"Yes, I think I would; it is rather early for breakfast, but I feel ready for it."
Dexie was soon beside him with a small tray, and as he drank his coffee he said, as he looked at her keenly:
"I want to know one thing, Dexie, and then I won't question you any more. What was the trouble between you and Traverse these few weeks back? Something was wrong with you, at any rate, but you do not confide in me as you used to do."
"Well, you naughty papa! How could I tell you my little secrets when you let them out the first thing?" she laughingly replied.
Her father looked at her in surprise, and she added,
"I told you not to tell that I broke the engagement with Lancy Gurney, and you told Guy that very first evening."
"Well, where was the harm? He seemed very anxious to know about it, and I am sure you seemed to rejoice over your freedom."
"Yes! but I didn't want Guy to know it, for it made it so much harder for me to meet him."
"Dexie, did you break your promise with Lancy on account of Traverse? Well, well! I understand it now; but who would have thought that you cared for him when you were so cool and short!"