But Dexie knew her message had been delivered, and so felt herself free; and as Gussie was in excellent spirits, there seemed no reason why she should be glum when Hugh was near.  She no longer slipped out of the room as Hugh appeared, though she was just as careful not to allow him to find her alone; but as Lancy’s visits were as frequent as ever, Hugh was supposed to have given up the fight.

But Hugh had discovered that there was one way left him in which he could win a smile from Dexie, and he did not scruple to use it, though he was well aware that by doing so he was giving Gussie a false hope.

He had only to take a seat by Gussie’s side, and say a few words to her, even the most commonplace, and Dexie’s reserve would melt at once, so he spent many pleasant evenings in the parlor by this little scheme.  He knew very well that Gussie was spreading her net, but if he found Dexie entangled in the meshes instead, Gussie’s injured feelings would not trouble him.  All stratagems are fair in love and war, so he smiled to himself and took courage.

Good fortune did not spoil Hugh.  It made his good qualities shine out all the more brightly, and his friends admired as well as envied him.  Dexie heard his praises sung from so many different quarters that her dislike to him was fast melting away, and seated by Gussie’s side she could look on him with favor.  But Hugh was merely biding his time, and was constantly on the watch for a favorable opportunity to press his suit personally and alone, in spite of the fact that Dexie considered the matter forever settled between them.

CHAPTER XXVII.

The auction rooms on Barrington Street were full to overflowing.  A stock of goods was going under the hammer at ridiculously low prices, and among the bidders Hugh McNeil was conspicuous.  As he turned to speak to a friend, he was much surprised to see Dexie Sherwood among the crowd.  She was alone and not a little frightened at finding herself jostled about, and she welcomed Hugh with a smile as he made his way to her side.

“I am so glad to see you, Mr. McNeil.  I was just wondering if I should be able to get out of this alive.”

“How did you happen to come here at all; curiosity, I suppose?” and he smiled down into her face.

“Oh, no, indeed; I came on business, but I did not know what a hard time I was going to have of it.  I heard Mr. Gurney talking about this sale last night, so I thought I might take advantage of it as well as the rest.  I am Commissary-General now, you know, so I am on the lookout for bargains in my line,” and she laughed softly.

“You want to bid for something, then; come and show me.  Take my arm, so we will not get separated in the crowd,” and for the first time in her life she placed her hand on Hugh’s arm and followed his leading, and this thought came to Dexie with added force as Hugh pressed the hand in token of the pleasure granted him.