road with Dexie as his travelling companion. He
would not take the message sent him as final; surely if he could see her
alone, face to face, he would compel her to give her reasons for refusing
him, and he might explain away her objections.

But Dexie considered the matter settled, and feeling herself free she
thought it right to drop her stiff, reserved manner, and be once more
friendly. This change made Hugh think that there was still hope for him,
and he determined to take a lover's privilege, and press his suit face to
face.

With this end in view, he called on the Sherwoods one afternoon, and
finding Mr. Sherwood alone, he asked permission to take Dexie out for a
sail, adding that there seemed no other way of seeing her alone.

"I doubt if she will go with you, Mr. McNeil," said Mr. Sherwood. "Why not
let the matter rest as it is? I don't think you are making much headway;
better not press it any further."

"She has not given me fair play," was the reply. "If I am to be refused,
why must I take it from another's lips? Give me the chance to open my heart
to her, and I will be satisfied."

"Well, Mr. McNeil, I wish you well; but she must choose as she likes. What
is the water like to-day?"

"Smooth as a mill-pond; scarcely a ripple," was the reply, as he followed
Mr. Sherwood into the next room.

"I have called to see if you will go for a sail, Miss Dexie," said Mr.
McNeil, as he entered the room and seated himself beside her. "You have not
been on the water for some time; it is a pity to miss this fine afternoon."

Gussie knew very well that she was not included in the invitation; but she
had no intention of being left out, so she eagerly answered:

"Oh, yes, of course we will go; it will be lovely and cool on the water
this hot afternoon."

Hugh knew it would be useless to hint that it was Dexie alone he wanted,
but he meant to get rid of her society somehow.

"You have not said if you would go, Dexie," said Hugh, looking intently
into her face.

"Oh, yes! certainly. I shall be delighted to go, if Gussie thinks she will
not get sick."

"I don't think Gussie was included in the invitation," said Mr. Sherwood,
looking up from his paper as he became aware of the situation.

"But of course it was understood; I would not go without her," said Dexie.
"What time shall we be ready?"

"I will call in half an hour," and Hugh left the room with his heavy brow
drawn into a decided frown.

During the walk t