d of his
footsteps; that if his fortune were four times multiplied, I would not have
him; that I want him to cease persecuting me with his hateful attentions,
and leave me alone! Now, is that plain enough for any sensible man to
understand, do you think?"

"Dexie! take care! See that you do not repent those words, for I shall see
that they are repeated to him, word for word."

"Thank you, mamma, and if you can make the words sound any stronger, I hope
you will do so. I will be well pleased to see Gussie occupy the position
she craves. When she does, my congratulations will be most sincere and you
will not know me--it will make me so wonderfully good-tempered," and she
put her arm across her mother's shoulder and kissed her cheek. "Dear mamma,
do not be vexed with me; but if I cannot endure Hugh for one hour, how can
I think of spending my whole life with him?"

Mrs. Sherwood gave Hugh the message at her earliest opportunity, but it did
not have the same effect on Hugh as she expected.

Hugh had no intention of accepting Dexie's refusal at second-hand; he would
hear it from her own lips before he would give up hope. It might be an easy
matter to remove the cause of her dislike, if he once found out what it
was.

But Dexie knew her message had been delivered, and so felt herself free;
and as Gussie was in excellent spirits, there seemed no reason why she
should be glum when Hugh was near. She no longer slipped out of the room as
Hugh appeared, though she was just as careful not to allow him to find her
alone; but as Lancy's visits were as frequent as ever, Hugh was supposed to
have given up the fight.

But Hugh had discovered that there was one way left him in which he could
win a smile from Dexie, and he did not scruple to use it, though he was
well aware that by doing so he was giving Gussie a false hope.

He had only to take a seat by Gussie's side, and say a few words to her,
even the most commonplace, and Dexie's reserve would melt at once, so he
spent many pleasant evenings in the parlor by this little scheme. He knew
very well that Gussie was spreading her net, but if he found Dexie
entangled in the meshes instead, Gussie's injured feelings would not
trouble him. All stratagems are fair in love and war, so he smiled to
himself and took courage.

Good fortune did not spoil Hugh. It made his good qualities shine out all
the more brightly, and his friends admired as well as envied him. Dexie
heard his praises