mont
girls' experience, and was accumulating such a nice little sum, to buy
something very nice for her mother by and by.

Hugh listened with a beating heart. He had known for a long time what a
busy life she led. It had formed the foundation of many excuses when he had
asked her to accompany him to places of amusement; but just now all her
former coolness was forgotten in her present kindness. She had never talked
to him so freely before, and Hugh was lifted up with hope at this
unexpected friendliness.

When they reached home, Hugh detained her at the door.

"Will you grant me a favor, Dexie?" he asked. "Do not go into an auction
room alone again; without me, I mean. You know I am always at your service,
and will only be too happy to help you at any time. You will grant me this,
Dexie?" and he looked earnestly into her face for an answer.

A number of expressions passed over Dexie's face as he spoke. Had she done
a bold, imprudent thing in attending the sale without an escort? She had
not given it a thought. Surely one might go about a matter of business
without a gentleman's escort? The Fremont girls did so. That it might be
improper had not occurred to her, and it vexed her to be reminded of it by
Hugh, so his well-meant offer failed to soften her.

"Yes, and no," Dexie coldly replied. "I will promise not to go again alone,
but I won't promise to go in your company again," and she turned and
entered the house.

Why had he spoken and lifted again the barrier of reserve that had broken
down during their morning's intercourse? was Hugh's thought as he entered
his own door. Might he not have brought about his wishes without exacting a
promise?

The next evening, several young ladies, with their gentlemen friends, met
in the Sherwood parlor to discuss a proposed family picnic, and Hugh came
in during the discussion, and was pressed to join them.

"Where is the picnic to be?" he asked.

"Oh, down the coast towards Cow Bay; we'll pick out a place when we come to
it. The trouble is, to find out how many teams we can get up," said George
Desbrasy.

"Well, the Gurneys are all going, but they cannot take any but their own
crowd, and there are several ladies we must find room for amongst us
somehow," said Fred Beverly.

"Well, I have to drive mother and sis, but I have one spare seat. Will you
accept the seat beside me, Miss Gussie?" said young Desbrasy.

Gussie wished he had not made the offer, as she hoped Hugh