“Both.  Do ask Hugh to return; I am in misery.”

Hugh lost no time in doing as he was requested, and they soon reached the wharf.  Gussie stepped ashore at once, glad to reach terra firma again; but as Dexie stepped forward to join her, Hugh turned sharply: 

“Are you frightened, too?  I thought you were made of something better.”

The taunt aroused Dexie, and she replied: 

“No, I’m not afraid.  It was not I that asked to return.”

Instantly Hugh stepped into the boat and, gave it a shove that sent it several rods, saying: 

“Then we’ll not lose our sail on Gussie’s account,” and he bent to the oars, sending the little boat far out into the stream.

Gussie stood on the wharf until she saw that they really meant to leave her there, and then walked thoughtfully home.

“I wonder what this means?” was Dexie’s inward comment when she found herself alone with Hugh.  “There is some method in this madness, for I see it in his eyes.”

She did not offer to begin the conversation until she saw Hugh hoist the sail and turn towards Point Pleasant.

“Where are you going, Mr. McNeil?  I thought we were going up the Basin.”

“I think we will try the Arm; there will not be so many crafts about.”

“Why this wish for seclusion?” said Dexie, forcing a smile.  “Surely there will be room for us as well.”

Hugh paid no attention to this remark until they had turned up the Arm; then dropping the sail and changing his seat to one opposite Dexie, he let the boat drift with the tide.

Looking at her earnestly he said,

“It was a lucky thought that made me bring you out on the water.  I thought Gussie would soon get enough of it.  We are not likely to be interrupted here, and you cannot run away from me.  Now, do you want me to tell you why I have brought you here?”

“No; I have not the least curiosity about it,” was the seemingly indifferent reply.

“You know what I wish to say, Dexie, though you do not care to acknowledge it,” he said, in a low tone.  “Believe me, Dexie, I have not been playing at love-making all this time.  I never was more in earnest in anything than I am in this.  Tell me, what is it that you have against me?”

“Mr. McNeil, I thought this matter was settled.  You received the message I sent you.  Why bring up the subject again?  I do not wish to hear another word.”

“You cannot help yourself, Dexie.  You have had your own way in this all along, and have not allowed me to say a word.  Now it is my turn, and I will not be put off.  Remember all is fair in love and war.”

Dexie was silent.  She was a little afraid of Hugh in this mood, but no sign of her fear appeared outwardly.

“I have reached the limit of torture that I can bear,” said Hugh, after a pause.  “I have had harsh words and cold looks for a long time, and you have slighted me on every possible occasion; but it has made no difference in my love for you.  It has grown until it has taken possession of me, and my life seems to hold nothing worth living for with you left out of my future.  Dexie, have pity!  Is my life of no account to you that you can toss it aside without a thought?”