a tender, reassuring tone, as he
smiled into her anxious face, "Do not be alarmed, dearest; there will be no
shooting, I promise. You can trust your friend with me, and I will see
after his comfort; so good-bye till to-morrow, love."

He bent his head and kissed her, though he was aware that a pair of dark
eyes were watching his every movement.

Hugh was very silent as he walked along. The kindly-spoken "Good-night, Mr.
McNeil," did not make him feel his disappointment less keenly.

When the hotel was reached and his room engaged, Hugh turned to Guy,
saying:

"May I go with you to your room for a little while? I shall go away
to-morrow, I think, and I would like to have a talk with you if you have no
objection."

"Certainly! I shall be glad of your company," and Guy led the way to his
room.

"It is no use, Traverse," he said, as Guy tried to draw him into a
conversation on matters in general. "I have no thoughts but for one thing,
and am no company for any man, least of all you; but I want to ask a favor
of you. Tell me of your plans for the future, and let me help you, even in
the smallest way, to bring them about. I coveted wealth at one time,
thinking if I had it all else would come easy; but I have found my money a
burden, because I could not put it to the one use for which I longed to
possess it. Do not be offended, Traverse," for Guy was looking at him
intently, and with a puzzled face; "what I want to say, I say with a good
heart towards you. In business matters, you know, money alone is power. Is
there anything that money could do for you--any position it could procure
for you, which would give Dexie pleasure to see you fill? I am sure you are
ambitious--in your position I would be myself; so tell me your hopes and
plans, and let me help you." "You are most kind, Mr. McNeil, and I thank
you for your generous offer," and he held out his hand, which Hugh clasped
heartily. "I was not prepared for this, but expected to hear reproaches
heaped upon me. I see I did not know you. I am deeply sensible of the kind
thought that suggested this; but I have no need of the help you so kindly
offer. I own to being ambitious, but it is the want of brains more than
money that hampers me at present. Yes," as Hugh looked up inquiringly, "I
am of an inventive turn of mind, and if I can work out the problems that
are hatching in my brain I will win fame as well as money. Your offer is
none the less kind because I cannot accept