When Hugh met the lieutenant in the hall on his way out, he did not hesitate to put the question that had been troubling him all day: 

“You seem to have met Miss Sherwood before, Lieutenant Wilbur.  May I ask where?”

The lieutenant looked at him steadily for a moment before replying: 

“I am not at liberty to tell you that, at present, Mr. McNeil, for that is Miss Sherwood’s secret, not mine.  She tells me that she will be leaving Halifax in a few days; if you will call on me at this address, one week after she has gone,” and he handed Hugh his card, “I will be at liberty to place in your hands a souvenir which Miss Sherwood leaves in my care for you.  Until that time, I wish you good evening;” and, lifting his hat, the lieutenant departed, leaving Hugh much puzzled over his words.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

The last day in Halifax—­Dexie never forgot it.  It was engraved so indelibly on her memory that time had no power to obliterate it.  It had been a busy day as well as a sad one, and Elsie Gurney spent the most of it by the side of her friend, helping, as well as hindering her, as the household goods were being packed for removal.  Lancy claimed one hour in the evening for himself; and as the rooms in the Sherwood household were almost dismantled, the greater part of the time was spent over the piano in the Gurneys’ parlor, and their heart’s good-bye was spoken through the one piece of music which they called their own.

“Remember, Dexie,” and Lancy turned on the piano-stool and took her hands in his own, “you must not play that piece for anyone; it is yours and mine.  When you are alone and think of me, let your thoughts be expressed through our own sweet music.  Do you know, my Dexie, I believe I shall know when you are playing to me; that invisible power which we have both felt, but cannot express, much less give it a name, will still be between us, and when my heart goes out to you, my darling, it shall be through the same medium.  That piece of music shall be sacred to you alone, and I shall play it for no one else until I see your dear face again.  Do you agree, Dexie?”

“Yes, but I feel as if I shall never have the heart to play anything again, Lancy,” for this parting from her friend hurt her more than she expected.

“Oh! yes, you will;” and he drew her over to the window within the shadow of the curtains.  “The time will soon slip by, and when I go to claim you it will seem to you like coming back home again.  I shall always be looking forward to that time, Dexie, so remember your promise.”

“You must not forget the conditions, Lancy, and if you find your love grows less, instead of more, be honest with your own heart, and do not, in your pride, hide it from me.  Absence may not ‘make the heart grow fonder’ in our case,” she added, with a sad smile.

“Do not prophesy evil, but think of the happy present.  Are you afraid or ashamed to own the fact to others, that you care for me at the present time?”