During the evening he obtained a few minutes’ conversation with Mr. Sherwood, and his low, earnest words brought a mist to the eyes of the sick man.

“I am truly sorry for your disappointment, Hugh,” was the low reply, “but you prove beyond a doubt that her happiness is still dear to you when you propose to do such a thing.  But wait awhile, and think it over.  You may form other ties, and there may be others who will have a stronger claim on you than the wife of Guy Traverse.  Oh, yes! yes!  I know the money is your own, and you can do what you like with it, but Dexie would not approve of this, neither would Traverse.”

A few minutes before it was time to leave for the train Guy came behind Hugh and whispered a few words in his ear, words that sent a flash of light and joy into his dark, sad face.

“God bless you, Traverse, for this kindness; I was getting desperate; five minutes will suffice,” was the reply, and he slipped out of the room, crossed the hall, and a moment more was standing by Dexie’s side.

“Traverse told me you were here, Dexie, and that I might come and say good-bye to you alone,” and taking her hands in his own, added: 

“Dexie, if there should come a time when you need a friend, or if you should ever be in trouble, will you promise to let me know and let me be the one to help you?  You know how gladly I would serve you.”

“Thank you, Mr. McNeil, you are very kind; I will not forget your offered help.  I hope you will have a pleasant journey home,” and she drew away her hands and turned away.

“Dexie, when we parted in Halifax you gave me angry looks, even at the moment of parting, but there was a hope in my heart that helped me to bear it.  It is different now; do not add to my present misery the memory of your cool, indifferent words.  Lift up your face and say, ‘Good-bye, Hugh.’  Do, Dexie.”

Dexie stood irresolute a moment, then, giving him her hand, she lifted her eyes, and said in a low tone: 

“Good-bye, Hugh; I did not mean to be cool or indifferent, for you have been kinder than I dared to expect.”

Something in her tone and words swept Hugh’s self-control to the winds, and he clasped her to his heart.

“My darling! my darling! must I indeed say good-bye forever; it is like parting with you at the grave,” and his hot kisses touched cheek and brow.  “I cannot bear it, Dexie.  Oh! if I could die now with you here in my arms; my darling! my darling!”

A soft knock at the door, and a moment later Guy entered.

“Time is up, McNeil, if we want to catch the train.”  Then putting his arm across Dexie’s shoulders, as he noticed her pale face and quivering lips, said: 

“Has it been too much for you, dearest?  It was the last time, you know.”

“How could you, Guy!  How could you send him here to me alone!” came the low, trembling words.

“It was no use, Traverse; the first kind word unmanned me, and made me forget that you trusted me.  I have held her in my arms and kissed her face; but forgive me, Traverse, if you can, it is the last time,” and giving a long, imploring look at Dexie, who stood with her face buried in her hands, added, in a low voice: