“It is no use,” she said at last, in a low tone.  “I cannot, I cannot—­

  ’I do not love you, Dr. Fell,
  The reason why I cannot tell.’”

But, low as the words were, Hugh heard them.

“Never mind the love, Dexie; marry me, and the love will come afterwards.”

“No, Mr. McNeil, I will not risk it,” was her low reply, as she pulled her hands from his close grasp.  “I am quite sure we could not live a week in peace and happiness.  There is something in your very presence that raises up the worst feelings in me, and why should I knowingly spoil all my life?”

“It is no risk, Dexie; you shall never have any reason to be vexed with me.  Your father is quite ready to accept me as a son-in-law; he trusts me, why cannot you?  My darling, you have had time to think it over.  Give me your promise; it need not be fulfilled until you wish it.”

“I cannot give a promise I have no wish or intention of keeping, and how can you ask such a thing?  How can you want an unwilling bride?”

“Never mind me, Dexie.  Say you will be my wife sometime, and that will be enough.  You will never regret it.”

Dexie covered her face with her hands, and thought it over.  The few minutes’ silence was broken by Hugh, who hoarsely asked: 

“Will you give me your promise, Dexie?”

“No, I will not!”

“But you shall!  I swear it!  Do you think I am not in earnest?” and the love-light in his eyes was dimmed by a harder and fiercer look.  “You will return home my promised wife, or not at all!”

CHAPTER XXIX.

They had drifted on and on.

A little to the left a vessel was riding at anchor, and Dexie felt sure there must be someone on board who would help her.  If she could only alter the course of the boat and get into the current, it might bring them near enough to attract attention, then she would shout for help.

There was a long silence between them.  Hugh regarded her earnestly, feeling sure she would give in at last.  Dexie had no thought of doing so, but was striving to think of some way to escape him.  As she sat, her hands folded in her lap, she studied well the position of the vessel; noting also the ladders that hung over the side, and a daring thought entered her mind.

“Dear me!” she said at last, “this is getting very monotonous.  I am tired doing nothing.  I think I might learn how to use an oar, even though I may never have the chance to put my knowledge into practice.”

She reached forward and grasped a light oar, handling it rather awkwardly, as a novice might, but succeeded at last in getting the blade over the side, more by chance than good management, apparently.

“I thought you knew how to use an oar already,” said Hugh, his mind turned a moment from the subject that had been absorbing him.  He watched the spasmodic dabs that Dexie was making, not thinking there was any purpose in the seemingly awkward efforts at rowing.