"Yes, auntie, and ready to eat all the humble pie you have prepared for me."
"I have prepared none, my dear, but I am pleased to see that you are ready and willing to eat some. Your father has passed a miserable time waiting for your appearance."
"Poor papa!" and Dexie threw her arms around his neck. "How horrid I have been, to be sure. Now, lay on the stripes easy, and I'll promise not to do so any more," and she playfully held out her hand.
"You had better not, you little tyrant," drawing her to him. "I believe my hair has turned grey with the anxiety you have caused me."
"Oh, so it has! here is one hair quite grey; yes, actually two of them! I'll show you," and a couple of hairs were withdrawn with a jerk.
"Stop! you torment," catching her by both arms. "Isn't it enough that my hair has turned grey? Must you make me bald as well? I thought Lancy was going to sober you down before he brought you back. I'll have to call him in to finish his job."
"No, I'm going to be good, I really am; so say you are not cross with me any more, then I must run off and see about my dress."
"Well, I'll forgive you this time; but if you cut up any more such capers, I'll hand you over to young Gurney for good."
"But I won't be handed over, you dear old papa," giving him a squeeze that almost choked him. "I will not exchange my papa for the best-looking young gentleman you can find in the city. But, papa! do persuade Gussie to leave my shortcomings alone, for the next few hours at least," she added, in a low tone.