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 have horsewhipped him if it had cost me my life!” And he dug his heel into the gravel, as if he had his enemy beneath it.

“Don’t, Lancy; it is all over, so try to forget it.  I know that Hugh felt sorry for his burst of temper the moment after, but he could not unsay the words, and I would not forgive them—­that is why he felt so badly when we parted on the train.  I did not intend to tell you of it, Lancy; so do not look so vexed.”

“Oh! if I only could lay my hands on him, I would pay him for his impudence and brutality! but, Dexie, were you not very frightened?” and he clasped her hands in his own, and looked earnestly into her face.

“For the moment, when I turned my head and saw the stones beneath me, I was almost sick with fear, but I think my temper saved my life just then, for I turned on him and dared him!  Oh!  I could have torn him limb from limb, I was that angry!  I broke the commandment a dozen times as I stood there before him—­I mean the one that says ‘Thou shalt do no murder.’  I killed him in my heart, I mean.  However, I feel real pleased to hear of his good fortune, so I think I must have repented; but I’m not quite sure,” she laughingly added.