The rupee today failed to maintain initial gains, but was still quoted higher by three paise to 53 rupees 79 paise against the US dollar in late morning trade.The rupee resumed higher at 53 rupees 68 paise per dollar as against yesterday's closing level of 53 rupees 81 paise at the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market on mild selling of dollars from banks on the back of persistent capital inflows amid weak global cues.