surely I might make amends for my unintentional
mistake. I will do anything, everything, Mr. Sherwood, that you can
suggest."

"Believe me, Mr. Ross, everything possible has been already done to make
her see that you had no intention of 'insulting' her, and we have had to
pass her over to our next-door neighbors. If they fail, you can try your
persuasive powers. She is out driving with young Gurney just now, and we
are simply living on our hopes."

"I trust he will succeed. I would hardly dare to face the people to-night
without her. Come and see how well the hall looks while we await her
return; then I must see her and explain."

"Better not, Mr. Ross, unless you have some other excuse for calling. If
young Gurney gets her to change her mind, you had better make your peace
with her after the concert is over, instead of risking it beforehand."

"Very true; but I might call with a bouquet for both of your daughters, and
I need not refer to the matter if her consent has been already secured."

"Such an errand would seem natural and should do much towards earning
forgiveness," was the smiling reply.

A revolution was going on in Dexie's mind as the sleigh flew over the level
road, and Lancy watched the varying expressions, for he had learned to read
her face like an open book. Checking the speed of his horse, he turned to
her and asked if she felt the least cold.

"Not at all, Lancy; the air is just frosty enough to make it enjoyable."

"The roads are somewhat better than they were last winter when I took you
out in the storm. Will you ever forget it, Dexie?"

"I am never allowed to, it seems; but I wish I could drop that twenty-four
hours out of my memory,"--annoyed that Lancy referred to the time that was
associated with his declaration of love. "I wish you would forget that
unfortunate drive and all connected with it. It is no pleasure to remember
how near we came to freezing to death," she added.

"Well, Dexie, if you will only look at that side of it, why not repay me
for the trouble I took for you that night, and do me a favor in return?"

"If any favor I can do will forever relieve me of any obligation I may be
under, you have only to name it," said she coolly, "providing the favor is
within reason, though."

"No, I'll not ask it, nor put it that way; not for all the concerts that
will ever be held!" he hotly answered. "But, Dexie," and his voice grew
tender again, "if the same motive would move you to g