ugh she may
never have to put her own hands to the work itself. But do not be too
particular about keeping within the monthly allowance; I am quite as
willing to pay for housekeeping lessons as for music lessons."

How Dexie prized the weeks that followed! In after years she looked back to
them with a thankful heart, for Aunt Jennie did not confine her teaching to
the art of housekeeping alone. The inward culture of the heart was not
forgotten. The good seed was sown with no sparing hand, and though some lay
weeks, months and even years without bearing fruit, yet few were altogether
lost.

What a blank her absence caused in the household! She had filled a mother's
place among them, for the loving tact that bridged over the little jars
that are apt to occur in every household was not one of Mrs. Sherwood's
accomplishments.

The first few weeks after her aunt's departure were very trying ones to
Dexie. There seemed much fault-finding that was really unnecessary, but
Dexie honestly tried to do her best. She could see her own failures as well
as her successes, and when she found that much of Nancy's ill-temper was
due to Gussie's interference in the kitchen, she laid the matter before her
father, and that put an end to many petty annoyances.

Dexie had much to bear from her mother also, for Mrs. Sherwood felt
aggrieved that Dexie did not appreciate Hugh McNeil's attentions as she
thought they deserved. His visits were a daily occurrence, and it was
vexing to see Dexie refuse what would have been so acceptable to Gussie.

"If you do not intend to marry him, why do you not tell him so plainly?"
she said one day, when Dexie had shut herself up in her room to avoid
meeting Hugh. "What is the use of keeping out of his way, when you know
what he wants to see you for?"

"Why should I put myself in his way, when I do not want what he has to
offer? He shall not talk to me about it, either, unless he does so before a
third party. I will not see him alone! I sent him a decided answer through
papa, so why can he not be satisfied with that? I declare, I almost hate
the man!"

"Tell him so, plainly; then, and give Gussie a chance. She is not so
foolish as to allow any sentimentality to come between her and a fortune."

"I have already told him so, as plainly as I can, mamma. But if you think I
am standing in Gussie's way, just give Hugh McNeil this message from me.
Tell him that I will _never_ marry him; that I hate the very soun