still it seems a pity to lose the money when he seems so
anxious to put it into your hands. Your life would be so different with
money at your command. If it were only Gussie, now."

"Yes, if it were only Gussie everything would go smoothly while the money
lasted; but you did not tell me the result of the interview, papa."

"I told him I would leave the matter for you to settle, but I gave my
consent, if he gained yours. I think he would be good to you, Dexie."

"Well! I guess he would have to, if he once got me, or I would know the
reason why! What does mamma say about it, for I suppose she knows?"

"She seems much put out that it is not Gussie he asks for, but she hopes
you will not be so foolish as to throw the chance away. That is the opinion
of the both of us, you see, so do not decide hastily, Dexie."

"Dear me, how provoking it is! Mamma will be vexed, and I cannot help it,
for I really cannot _say_ I consent when I feel such a dislike to the man.
Some young ladies would see nothing but his fortune; but think, papa, we
might live for fifty years! and I can't look forward to fifty years of life
spent with Hugh McNeil. So tell him for me, papa, that it cannot be."

"Take time to think it over, Dexie, before he gets _any_ answer, for Hugh
will be much disappointed if you refuse him. I promised to plead his cause
for him, but I cannot do so against your inclinations, since it will be you
alone who must live your life with him. But, Dexie, many people live
happily together without loving each other overmuch, so do not think it
impossible for you to do the same. Do you care so very much for Lancy
Gurney?" he asked, after a pause.

Dexie did not feel so embarrassed over this question as her father
expected. She was pleased to have her father take such an interest in her
little affairs of the heart, and show his sympathy in things that are
usually left to the mother and daughter to talk over together.

"I do not know if I can explain it to you, papa," she replied with a smile.
"I don't think I should care to marry Lancy--indeed, I am quite sure I
never shall, but I like him very much for all that; but you need not tell
anyone I said so, will you, papa?" she added, seeing a smile in her
father's eyes. "Lancy has been very kind to me ever since we came to
Halifax. You know yourself he has added very much to my pleasure by his
thoughtful attentions, but I do not think it will end as Lancy expects,"
and a pretty blush