saw Hugh hoist the
sail and turn towards Point Pleasant.

"Where are you going, Mr. McNeil? I thought we were going up the Basin."

"I think we will try the Arm; there will not be so many crafts about."

"Why this wish for seclusion?" said Dexie, forcing a smile. "Surely there
will be room for us as well."

Hugh paid no attention to this remark until they had turned up the Arm;
then dropping the sail and changing his seat to one opposite Dexie, he let
the boat drift with the tide.

Looking at her earnestly he said,

"It was a lucky thought that made me bring you out on the water. I thought
Gussie would soon get enough of it. We are not likely to be interrupted
here, and you cannot run away from me. Now, do you want me to tell you why
I have brought you here?"

"No; I have not the least curiosity about it," was the seemingly
indifferent reply.

"You know what I wish to say, Dexie, though you do not care to acknowledge
it," he said, in a low tone. "Believe me, Dexie, I have not been playing at
love-making all this time. I never was more in earnest in anything than I
am in this. Tell me, what is it that you have against me?"

"Mr. McNeil, I thought this matter was settled. You received the message I
sent you. Why bring up the subject again? I do not wish to hear another
word."

"You cannot help yourself, Dexie. You have had your own way in this all
along, and have not allowed me to say a word. Now it is my turn, and I will
not be put off. Remember all is fair in love and war."

Dexie was silent. She was a little afraid of Hugh in this mood, but no sign
of her fear appeared outwardly.

"I have reached the limit of torture that I can bear," said Hugh, after a
pause. "I have had harsh words and cold looks for a long time, and you have
slighted me on every possible occasion; but it has made no difference in my
love for you. It has grown until it has taken possession of me, and my life
seems to hold nothing worth living for with you left out of my future.
Dexie, have pity! Is my life of no account to you that you can toss it
aside without a thought?"

Dexie raised her eyes to the earnest face before her as she replied:

"I must think of my own self. Why should I make my life unhappy to please a
passing fancy of yours?"

"A passing fancy! I understand that remark; you mean it as a sneer. It was
a passing fancy with Gussie, I will admit. But, Dexie, it is a strong man's
love that now burns in my heart. Think of