all that it is in my power to
give you, if you will only receive it. But the fact that I possess a
fortune gives me no pleasure unless I can share it with you. Say the word,
Dexie, and your every wish shall be gratified, if it is in the power of a
man or money to do so, and my whole life shall be spent in making you
happy. You need never have a care. What more could you ask of me, Dexie?"
His eager eyes seemed to burn into her very soul as he waited her reply.

"I ask you for nothing; but if you will take all this and lay it before
someone who could and would gladly accept it, you would be far happier in
the end. It is a waste of time to try and persuade me to do what my whole
soul refuses to consider, even for a moment."

"But why? Tell me why, Dexie? What have you against me? Is it on Gussie's
account, or is it Lancy Gurney that comes between us?"

"What matters the reason? Call it what you like, it stands between us, and
always will," she answered with rising color.

"You will not say! Can it be possible that you are so much in love with
Lancy Gurney that there is no room for a thought of me? He will never make
you happy; he knows nothing of love as I feel it--a schoolboy attachment,
that will soon be forgotten!"

"Be kind enough to leave Lancy's name out of this discussion altogether,"
said Dexie coldly, "and as there is nothing to be gained by prolonging this
unpleasant interview, we had better return home."

"You are mistaken if you think I am going to end this little excursion
without gaining my end. Do you remember the time Lancy took you to drive,
on purpose to gain your consent to whistle at the concert? Well, he kept
you out until you gave him your promise, and I intend to profit by that
idea of his, and keep you here until you give me a promise also."

"Why! Mr. McNeil, are you crazy?" said Dexie, in alarm. "What parallel do
you see in the case? What good would a promise do you which you know I
would break the moment I reached the shore?"

"You will not break any promise you make. I am not afraid of that. I think
I know you better than you do yourself, Dexie."

Dexie flushed angrily, and turned her eyes to see the position of their
boat. They had been drifting at the will of the tide, and she had given
little thought to it in her excitement. But now, understanding what might
be in store for her, it was necessary to think of some way of escape.

Could she keep Hugh from regarding her movements, and