r feelings were stirred.

Mrs. Gurney watched the expressive face, and returned Lancy's look with one
of sympathy.

"Lancy is going to drive to the Four-Mile House this afternoon, Dexie,"
said Mrs. Gurney. "Would you like to go with him?"

"Oh, yes, indeed," was the quick reply, delighted to escape further
questioning.

"Then he will have the sleigh ready as soon as you are. Be sure and wrap
up your mouth and throat. It never do to catch cold, you know."

Dexie lifted her eyes for one brief moment to the smiling face of the
little mother. The reference to her throat brought back the troublesome
resolution that would not stay resolved, try as she would. She longed to
throw herself at her feet and confess the whole hateful story, but she
dared not. That resolution would fall to pieces like a house of cards, if
once the story were told to Mrs. Gurney. But she hated herself for the
deceit she was practising. How would it end?

As Lancy drove round to the front door Cora ran out and whispered:

"Don't speak hastily to her, Lancy. Remember how much depends on the way
you put it. But be sure and get her full consent."

"What time am I to bring her home?"

"As early as possible; if she has not consented by four o'clock, bring her
home to mother. You know we have to dress and have tea."

"And what about Dexie's fine feathers?"

"Only get her consent to go, and we will make a perfect fairy of her.
Grandma's box just came in time."

Just then Dexie appeared, and was quickly tucked under the robes.

"Wish us good luck, or fling a slipper, do, Cora, for we are going to
elope!" Dexie laughingly exclaimed.

"Good luck, then, and with all my heart I wish it; but slippers are costly,
and mine are new," was the laughing reply.

"What happy fortune takes you out of town this afternoon, Lancy?" said
Dexie, a few minutes later. "Make it forty miles, instead of four, if you
wish to earn my everlasting gratitude."

"Any other day, Dexie, I would feel like taking you at your word," and a
look full of meaning flashed from his eyes, which she understood.

By and by they passed a fence that was covered with posters, and in the
most conspicuous place Dexie saw the obnoxious handbills with their great,
staring letters.

"Did you see that?" and Dexie flushed angrily, as she pointed at the
announcement.

"Why, yes! and everybody is coming to the hall to hear you to-night."

"Are they, indeed!" drawing her head back stiffly. "T