wish you would
keep in mind whatever dressy garments you see that would suit my style.
Hugh wished to be remembered to you, and was anxious to know when you would
return, but I do not see that your movements concern him."

There were more pages in the same strain, and Dexie smiled at the many
things Gussie had disclosed without being aware of it. She could read
between the lines, and the reason of Hugh's inquiries on her behalf were
not hard to guess. But Dexie knew it would be a great disappointment to
Gussie if she failed in her schemes, and she was willing enough to prolong
her visit if it favored Gussie's future prospects, but she knew that Hugh's
pocket-book was far dearer to Gussie than Hugh himself.

Lancy had received a letter also, and Hugh's unexpected good fortune was
told at length. Hugh's father had not died during the journey to the
Australian gold diggings, as had been reported, but he had changed his
name, and so was lost sight of, until he had accumulated the fortune that
now fell to his son. Lancy wondered if Hugh's better prospects would have
any influence on Dexie; he knew well that Hugh would use his money as a
stepping-stone to Dexie's favor. Perhaps Dexie surmised what was going on
in his mind, for she passed him her letter with permission to read it.
After they retired from the breakfast room, they discussed the news
together. Lancy felt ashamed to think he could not feel as pleased about it
as he ought, and Dexie listened with heightened color as he told his fear
of being set aside for Hugh.

"Lancy, you must remember I am free to do as I like with my future," she
said, with flushed cheeks, "for I have not given you the least word of a
promise; but let me tell you once and for all, that Hugh cannot buy my
favor, and he has not been able to obtain it by coaxing, or brute force
either."

"Dexie, what do you mean?" was the quick reply. "What has he said or done
that you speak like this?"

"Let us go to the summer-house, Lancy, and I think I can satisfy your mind
on one point, and that is, if I fail to appreciate your attentions as you
think they deserve, you need not lay the blame on Hugh McNeil," and,
standing under the shadow of the swinging vines, Dexie related the
substance of the interview on the kitchen roof the evening before they left
Halifax.

"The scoundrel! and he dared to threaten you, and was actually going to
throw you from the roof! Why did you not tell me, Dexie, and I would h