“Unfortunately for me, the love-making is only on my side,” said Hugh, bitterly.  “I cannot win even one word of kindness from Dexie’s lips; my very presence seems unwelcome.  She has just given me to understand that she belongs to you, and I am expected, I suppose, to offer my congratulations; but I cannot do it—­I must get used to the thought first.  I am not afraid or ashamed to confess that I have loved Dexie Sherwood for years—­loved her madly, blindly, though she has given me nothing but hard words and scornful looks through it all.  Months of travel have failed to make me forget her.  She has been like a loadstone drawing me back to her, when in my pride I would have rejoiced to feel myself free.  I would have plucked her out of my heart if I could, but my love seems a part of my life, and I cannot kill it while I live myself.  I believe you are a noble, generous man, or you never would have won her heart.  Be good to her, since you have taken her from me, for if I thought there should ever be a time when you would cause a tear to fall or grieve her heart by a word, I would kill you where you stand!”

Dexie hid her face against Guy’s breast as Hugh’s hot words poured like a torrent from his lips, but Guy drew her protectingly to his side, and his firm, clear voice sounded low and distinct as he replied: 

“Have no fear for Dexie, Mr. McNeil!  She shall always be my first thought and care.  I cannot blame you for loving her, though it is but natural that, under the present circumstances, I should regret to hear you own it.  Dexie has given me her love willingly and freely, and I am sure she will be happy as my wife, the present condition of her father being the only obstacle that prevents our immediate marriage.”

“Forgive me, Traverse! my words were hasty!” and Hugh held out his hand, “but my heart is sore at the disappointment.  I have hastened forward with all possible speed, hoping for something so different from this, that my heart rebels.  But I shall go back to Halifax, Dexie, and the day I hear of your marriage I shall propose to Nina Gordon.  I wish to my heart she was dumb!  I might persuade myself into thinking sometimes that I had you near me, if only she would keep her mouth shut!  If I cannot have your love, I may be able to delude myself into thinking that I have your presence near me occasionally.”

“Oh, Mr. McNeil! you cannot mean what you are saying!  You surely would not do such a thing as that!” said Dexie, in a horrified tone.  “Your good sense will prevent you from throwing your life away so needlessly.  Oh!  I cannot think that you have a thought of such a thing.  It would be dreadful!” and the dark eyes met his with an eagerness that was questioning.

“I heard you say once that if she were away from her mother one might make anything they liked of her,” said he, more quietly.  “I shall make a second Dexie of her if the thing is possible, for I’ll see to it that she keeps her tongue quiet till it suits her face!”