nowy cloths were spread, when the
contents of the heavy baskets revealed themselves, and all the delights of
a picnic in the woods were present in abundance.

Even the long-legged spiders, who invariably invite themselves to such
gatherings, and persist in walking over and around the various viands, were
here represented by members of the family who seemed to be great
grandfathers of their tribe, judging by their size; and the dexterity shown
by some of the young gentlemen in picking up these wandering vagrants and
sending them back into oblivion, called forth much praise from the female
portion of the party.

After a day of delightful enjoyment, the hour arrived for them to return
home, and having so much less to pack up than there was at starting, they
were soon on the journey homeward.

Before the picnickers separated, there was a driving party arranged to go
to Rustico Beach, Brackly Point or Cove Head, for another day's outing, and
the day was set for the drive.

CHAPTER XXIII.

The next morning, when the mail was opened, Dexie received a letter from
home, in which, beside the commonplace news, there were pages devoted to a
startling and amusing announcement.

"Just think," Gussie wrote, "there is a man at the Gurney's who has come
all the way from Australia to find Hugh, and to tell him about the fortune
left him by his father. It amounts to a very large sum, and will make Hugh
one of the wealthiest men in the Province, so, of course, he is now quite a
different person in my eyes than when he was a mere clerk. Unfortunately
for me, he is not so agreeable and friendly as he used to be, and he does
not come in to see me nearly so often as formerly, but I manage to meet him
frequently, and treat him with so much favor that I am quite sure I will
have no difficulty in securing him. I have been teasing mamma to buy me
some more new dresses, for I feel quite shabby now that there is a prospect
of possessing so much wealth. I am sure we will be a fine-looking couple,
for Hugh looks particularly handsome lately, but rich men always look well
in the eyes of a young lady. If you are asked to stay for a long visit, I
would advise you to do so, as it is much more convenient for me to have you
away just now."

Dexie smiled at this, but turned over the page and read on: "I shall send
you word as soon as I am engaged, for then I shall want your help on my
trousseau. As you are visiting among fashionable people, I