Hugh was very silent as he walked along.  The kindly-spoken “Good-night, Mr. McNeil,” did not make him feel his disappointment less keenly.

When the hotel was reached and his room engaged, Hugh turned to Guy, saying: 

“May I go with you to your room for a little while?  I shall go away to-morrow, I think, and I would like to have a talk with you if you have no objection.”

“Certainly!  I shall be glad of your company,” and Guy led the way to his room.

“It is no use, Traverse,” he said, as Guy tried to draw him into a conversation on matters in general.  “I have no thoughts but for one thing, and am no company for any man, least of all you; but I want to ask a favor of you.  Tell me of your plans for the future, and let me help you, even in the smallest way, to bring them about.  I coveted wealth at one time, thinking if I had it all else would come easy; but I have found my money a burden, because I could not put it to the one use for which I longed to possess it.  Do not be offended, Traverse,” for Guy was looking at him intently, and with a puzzled face; “what I want to say, I say with a good heart towards you.  In business matters, you know, money alone is power.  Is there anything that money could do for you—­any position it could procure for you, which would give Dexie pleasure to see you fill?  I am sure you are ambitious—­in your position I would be myself; so tell me your hopes and plans, and let me help you.”  “You are most kind, Mr. McNeil, and I thank you for your generous offer,” and he held out his hand, which Hugh clasped heartily.  “I was not prepared for this, but expected to hear reproaches heaped upon me.  I see I did not know you.  I am deeply sensible of the kind thought that suggested this; but I have no need of the help you so kindly offer.  I own to being ambitious, but it is the want of brains more than money that hampers me at present.  Yes,” as Hugh looked up inquiringly, “I am of an inventive turn of mind, and if I can work out the problems that are hatching in my brain I will win fame as well as money.  Your offer is none the less kind because I cannot accept it.  I am sure it will give Dexie much pleasure to hear of your kindness.”

“You do not wish me to have any share in your happiness,” Hugh said, with downcast features.  “Well, I daresay I would feel the same myself were I in your place; but, be generous, Traverse.  Think how long I have loved her, before you ever saw her at all, and contrast the blank my life will be with the happiness in store for you in the future.  Let me do something for you, Traverse.”

“Believe me, McNeil, if there was anything you could do for me I would gladly accept it, if only by way of atonement—­not that I think that I alone stood in your way, but for the pleasure I know it would be to you to serve her or hers.  My position is better than most men of my age, and since I have won Dexie’s hand I have frequently thought there is nothing more I require to make me contented and happy.”