supper for those of the household who
attended the concert, and if anyone noticed Hugh's absence, no one dreamed
of the cause thereof.

The skill that was required to keep out of Hugh's way during the weeks that
followed, might have raised Dexie to an eminent position if it could have
been turned into another channel. Such a sharp lookout lest Hugh might find
her alone, such a dodging through doors when his strategy had almost
succeeded in bringing her face to face--really it was a marvel how
skilfully she avoided him. Yet the fact that she did avoid him gave him a
false hope, and he thought if he could once lay his heart before her the
battle would be his.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Winter changed into spring slowly yet surely, and the almanac declared that
summer was nigh long before people were prepared to accept the assurance.

To Elsie Gurney the spring had been particularly trying, and her mother
began to feel anxious as day after day found her lying on a couch, listless
and weary. The doctor advised change of scene as the best means to recover
health and spirits, and Mrs. Gurney decided at last to accept the kind and
repeated invitation of a dear friend living in Charlottetown, and send
Elsie thither under Lancy's escort. Mrs. Gurney wrote to her friend
explaining Elsie's condition, and the kind letter that came in reply caused
preparations to be made at once for the visit.

"My guest chambers are all vacant," wrote Mrs. Fremont, "and my girls are
delighted with the prospect of having someone new to the place to show
around and gossip with. But, with your houseful, surely you can spare more
than two of your family. Remember, I have not seen any of you since we came
to Charlottetown, so be generous. Launcelot must not think of returning for
some weeks, and he must come prepared to see a deal of service, for my
girls have already planned drives and picnics that he must lead to success,
for Huburt has not yet returned from abroad, and an elder brother is sadly
missed in these little pleasure-parties. Elsie shall have the best of care,
and I feel safe in promising that when she returns home all trace of her
illness will be dispelled."

But Elsie shrank from this visit and begged to be allowed to stay at home.
She was naturally shy and reserved, and to go among new faces, and into
strange places, and be expected to take part in the pleasures that were
being prepared, oh! this was worse than being ill at home, for