"You seem to have met Miss Sherwood before, Lieutenant Wilbur. May I ask
where?"

The lieutenant looked at him steadily for a moment before replying:

"I am not at liberty to tell you that, at present, Mr. McNeil, for that is
Miss Sherwood's secret, not mine. She tells me that she will be leaving
Halifax in a few days; if you will call on me at this address, one week
after she has gone," and he handed Hugh his card, "I will be at liberty to
place in your hands a _souvenir_ which Miss Sherwood leaves in my care for
you. Until that time, I wish you good evening;" and, lifting his hat, the
lieutenant departed, leaving Hugh much puzzled over his words.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

The last day in Halifax--Dexie never forgot it. It was engraved so
indelibly on her memory that time had no power to obliterate it. It had
been a busy day as well as a sad one, and Elsie Gurney spent the most of it
by the side of her friend, helping, as well as hindering her, as the
household goods were being packed for removal. Lancy claimed one hour in
the evening for himself; and as the rooms in the Sherwood household were
almost dismantled, the greater part of the time was spent over the piano in
the Gurneys' parlor, and their heart's good-bye was spoken through the one
piece of music which they called their own.

"Remember, Dexie," and Lancy turned on the piano-stool and took her hands
in his own, "you must not play that piece for anyone; it is yours and mine.
When you are alone and think of me, let your thoughts be expressed through
our own sweet music. Do you know, my Dexie, I believe I shall know when you
are playing to me; that invisible power which we have both felt, but cannot
express, much less give it a name, will still be between us, and when my
heart goes out to you, my darling, it shall be through the same medium.
That piece of music shall be sacred to you alone, and I shall play it for
no one else until I see your dear face again. Do you agree, Dexie?"

"Yes, but I feel as if I shall never have the heart to play anything again,
Lancy," for this parting from her friend hurt her more than she expected.

"Oh! yes, you will;" and he drew her over to the window within the shadow
of the curtains. "The time will soon slip by, and when I go to claim you
it will seem to you like coming back home again. I shall always be looking
forward to that time, Dexie, so remember your promise."

"You must not forget the conditions, Lancy, and if