This was uttered in such a tone that Dexie shuddered.  His outbursts of passion seemed less devilish than this quieter expressed determination, for it was accompanied with a glint in his eyes that reminded her forcibly of that memorable boat sail, and her voice was less firm as she replied: 

“I cannot think you are in earnest, Mr. McNeil; you would not wreck another’s life for merely an unfortunate resemblance!  No!  I cannot think it of you; but it is wicked to say it, even in jest!”

“Would you take even that small comfort from me?” he said, almost fiercely.  “Do you know what love is, and think that I can bear the burden of solitude that you have laid upon my life; even the solace of your shadow denied me, while you have everything!”

“There!  I think you two had better say no more,” Guy firmly though smilingly remarked.  “You will be quarrelling in earnest the first thing I know.  Of course I do not understand what all this means, Mr. McNeil, but I have such confidence in Dexie’s judgment that I join her in the request that you will do nothing hasty, and throw the best years of your life away because of this disappointment.  Come, shake hands, you two, and make it up, and let us join Mr. Sherwood in his room, or he will think we have shared the fate of the Kilkenny cats.”

Dexie held out her hand and Hugh clasped it in both his own, and, looking tenderly into her eyes, said, in a voice so changed that it seemed to come from other lips: 

“Forget my hasty words, Dexie, if they have hurt you, and try to think of me kindly sometimes.  We would have been better friends if I had loved you less.  I give you up, though most unwillingly, for I cannot say now as I did before that your heart has not awakened, for I see that it has, beyond a doubt,” and like a courtier of old he stooped and kissed her hand.

Gussie was full of curiosity concerning the interview; but when the little group appeared in the room, their faces told no tales that she could interpret.

Hugh looked more sober than usual, and listened to the conversation rather than joined in it.  Guy looked cool and composed and, maybe, a trifle triumphant.  Dexie looked rather paler than usual, and remained almost as silent as Hugh.  This might mean much or little, but something in the manner of each checked Gussie’s light chatter.

When Guy rose to go, Hugh rose also, and asked permission to accompany Guy to his hotel.  Then, promising to return the next day to see Mr. Sherwood, Hugh followed Guy from the room.

At a look from Guy, Dexie followed them into the hall, and while Hugh put on his coat and gloves, Guy said, in a tender, reassuring tone, as he smiled into her anxious face, “Do not be alarmed, dearest; there will be no shooting, I promise.  You can trust your friend with me, and I will see after his comfort; so good-bye till to-morrow, love.”

He bent his head and kissed her, though he was aware that a pair of dark eyes were watching his every movement.