reason for
asking," and he drew her down to his knee. "Think a minute, and tell me."

"But, papa, I don't need to think a moment in order to answer that
question. I don't like him at all. You should ask Gussie that question."

"I need not, for I think I know what her answer would be; but I have a
little story to tell you, and I want you to give it serious consideration.
As soon as Hugh McNeil knew about the money coming to him, he asked me for
a private interview. From what Gussie said, I expected that he intended to
ask for her. But Hugh was very straightforward, and made the whole matter
plain, and, Dexie, he asked for the liberty of making you his wife. He said
he was willing to wait any reasonable time for you, if only he had the
promise of your hand in the end."

"Papa! you never told him _yes_! say you did not!" cried Dexie, springing
to her feet and regarding him with beseeching eyes. "My dear, I could not;
so do not look so frightened about it," and he drew her back to his side
again. "I am not willing to give my little girl to anyone yet, but I am not
insensible to the fact that a man who loves my daughter as Hugh professes
to love you, and can provide for her so handsomely, is worthy of some
consideration."

"Why couldn't he take Gussie? She wants him and I don't," she answered with
a frown. "I am sure Gussie told me she was all but engaged to him. He
doesn't want the both of us, I hope."

"Dexie, I am sorry to say that Gussie has not acted so well about this
matter as I could wish. She makes no secret of the fact that she would
gladly accept the position he offers you, and it annoys him. Hugh confessed
to me that at one time he did think he cared for Gussie, but found his
mistake, and he has been so open with me about it that I cannot blame him
for the change. Think it well over, Dexie, before he talks to you himself.
A handsome man like Hugh, with a good bank account, will not come in your
way very often. He offered to make a handsome settlement on you, directly
you promised him your hand."

"Dear papa, would you like your poor Dexie to be unhappy for life?"
throwing her arms around his neck. "I am sure you would not," as he drew
her closer to him. "I could never marry Hugh; his very presence makes me
feel pugnacious, and I feel like picking a quarrel with him every time I
speak to him, and I enjoy doing it, too."

"Well, in that case it would not be pleasant to live your life with him,
would it? but