Miss Dexie | Page 7

been
imparted to her at home, came like a reproach to her heart. She had
been reared in a Christian home, where Bible truths had been imparted
to her from her cradle up, so she now endeavored to supply what was
lacking in the religious education of her young relatives. It was done
quietly and without ostentation, but the last half hour of the day was
given to Dexie, and she spent it with her aunt in the privacy of her
chamber, where they studied the Book together. Dexie tried to persuade
Gussie to join these readings, but with no success, for Gussie, like
many others, "cared for none of these things."
CHAPTER III.
When Mr. Sherwood returned from New York, he was accompanied by
a Mr. Plaisted, a gentleman of a speculative turn of mind, who had
attached himself to Mr. Sherwood with a persistency that showed he
had "the cheek of a drummer," and he had invited himself to
accompany Mr. Sherwood to his home in Halifax. Although fond of
horses, there was nothing about the appearance of Mr. Plaisted to
suggest the jockey: he was what would have been termed in a later day
a fair specimen of the genus dude. He was of medium height, and was
decidedly foppish in his manner, and with his elaborate neck-ties and
perfumed curls, he was, in his own estimation at least, quite irresistible.
His hands and feet were unusually small for a man. The latter he was
very proud of, always encasing them in boots of the very latest style;
and, no doubt, the "cold cream" and other cosmetics which he nightly
used helped to give his hands and face the fair appearance that so
delighted himself.
His presence in the household seemed to have an opposite effect on the
twin girls. Gussie was delighted with his fine appearance and gallant
speeches, but Dexie seemed to see the ignoble nature behind and kept
him at a distance.

A few evenings after his arrival, when the family were assembled in the
parlor, Mr. Plaisted, who was leaning back in his chair, in an attitude
peculiar to Americans, asked: "Have you a son living in Boston,
Sherwood? I met a young fellow in a broker's office bearing your name.
Any relation of yours?"
"No, neither a son nor a relation; this is my only boy," Mr. Sherwood
replied, reaching for Georgie's ear in a playful manner.
"Ah! that's a pity now! a grown-up son would have been some use to
you. If one of the twins had happened to be a boy, you would have had
quite an assistant by now."
Dexie was sitting behind the window curtain, watching the passers-by.
She resented this speech, and the rude way it was uttered provoked her
into replying:
"One does not need to be born a boy to be of use in this world, allow
me to tell you, Mr. Plaisted! for in all things that he needs help, I am
my father's boy--not ghost!" she laughingly added, as Plaisted, startled
by her sudden appearance, almost overbalanced in his chair.
"Bless me! I didn't notice you were there, Miss Dexie," said he,
regaining his equilibrium with an effort. "Guess you've been studying
Shakespeare for my benefit, eh, Miss Dexie?"
"Oh! that's just like Dexie," said Gussie, with a frown. "She always
likes to make a scene when she can. She will want to go on the stage, I
expect, by and by."
"What nonsense! Gussie," said Dexie, smiling good-naturedly, "when
all the theatrical performances we are allowed to attend are those that
take place up in the attic."
"Oh! come now, Miss Dexie. How often do you slip off to plays with
that young chap next door?" said Plaisted, with a sly wink at Gussie. "I
often see you down street together."

"Your eyesight must be remarkably good, then," was the icy reply, "for
I think no one else can accuse me of 'slipping off' with any person."
"By the way, Miss Dexie, I have been wondering what your name is,
ever since I came. Is it an abbreviation or a nick-name?" said Plaisted,
anxious to turn the conversation. "I have never met with a young lady
bearing your name before."
"And you are not likely to meet one again," was the quick reply, as a
flush of anger covered her face.
Mr. Sherwood looked across at Dexie, knowing full well that Plaisted
could not have broached a more unfortunate subject. Dexie's full name
was her chief annoyance, so he answered in a quiet tone, "Her name is
Dexter, but she would like us all to forget the fact, and call her Dexie
instead."
"Since Mr. Plaisted is so inquisitive, it would be wise to gratify his
curiosity at once, and have done with it,"