you find your love grows
less, instead of more, be honest with your own heart, and do not, in your
pride, hide it from me. Absence may not 'make the heart grow fonder' in our
case," she added, with a sad smile.

"Do not prophesy evil, but think of the happy present. Are you afraid or
ashamed to own the fact to others, that you care for me at the present
time?"

"No, I do not think any one who knows us will accuse either of us of
bashfulness; the opposite has been laid to my charge until it has become an
old story," she replied.

"Well, seeing that we understand each other, why not wear your ring? I
particularly want Hugh to see it on your finger; I don't believe he has
given you up yet, Dexie. Will you wear it to please me?"

Dexie unclasped the chain from her neck, and Lancy slipped the ring in its
place on her finger.

"I think you need not mind what Hugh says or thinks," she said in a low
tone. "I did not intend to tell you, Lancy, but I will confess now that
Hugh saw that ring on my finger once before," and she told him the
substance of the stolen interview in the upper hall.

"That is how it happens that we are on speaking terms again," she added,
"but when Hugh gets well enough to travel, and begins to realize that he is
a rich man, he will smile at all this foolishness; but if I live a hundred
years, I will never forget that dreadful afternoon in the boat. Lieutenant
Wilbur is going to give him his revolver after I am gone; that will be a
reminder of it which he won't like, I am thinking!"

The next morning the last article was removed from the house, and the last
good-bye given to the friends they must leave behind them. The two families
met for the last time in Mrs. Gurney's parlor, and as they lingered over
the last words, Dexie seated herself at the piano, and there was no quiver
in her voice, though there were tears in her eyes, as she sang:

"Farewell, farewell, is a lonely sound,
And always brings a sigh;
Then give to me, when loved ones part,
That good old word, 'Good-bye.'"

Hugh and Lancy, as well as Elsie and Cora, accompanied the family to the
boat, which was to sail about noon. Hugh lingered near the group on the
steamer, hoping that Dexie would give him some kind word at parting, and at
last Lancy, very generously, took her over to his side, saying:

"Don't look so blue, old fellow; Dexie is not taking a final leave of
Halifax. Time is most up, I expect," he added hastily, as