relatives in Devonshire; and
the thought that the wide ocean would be between them, did not cause the
same regretful feeling in her heart as it did in Lancy's. Once since they
had left Halifax, Dexie, to her surprise, received a letter from Hugh
McNeil, that had come enclosed in one to her father. Mr. Sherwood said
little as to the contents of his letter; but the earnest, passionate words
in Dexie's left no doubt in her mind that Hugh had small intention of
giving up his suit, though for the present he would leave her in peace.

He told her of his intention of making a journey to Australia, to visit the
last resting-place of his father; and after an extended journey, he hoped
to come back and find all the unpleasantness in the past forgiven and
forgotten.

For some time after the letter was received, Dexie fancied that her father
regarded her with more attention than was necessary; but it soon passed
from her mind without giving her the slightest suspicion that Hugh had
placed in her father's hands a substantial and unmistakable proof of the
genuineness of his regard.

This was to be unknown to her until such a time as circumstances rendered
it necessary to communicate the facts. But if he survived the dangers of
the passage, and returned safely and found her still free, he would again
endeavor to gain her consent to a closer relationship.

Fortunately for Dexie's peace of mind, Mr. Sherwood kept the matter to
himself; but the fact that both Hugh and Lancy intended to put the ocean
between them and herself, even for a short time, gave her a sense of relief
and security which she would have found it difficult to explain.

CHAPTER XXXV.

One day, a few weeks later, as Mr. Sherwood was returning from his office,
he was much surprised to meet Mr. Plaisted on the street, and he stopped
and spoke to him cordially.

"Why, Sherwood! is it you? I never expected to meet you here," and Mr.
Plaisted shook hands with his former partner.

"I am settled here now," replied Mr. Sherwood. "What are you doing in this
part of the country?"

"I am travelling for a New York firm; just arrived in town this morning.
Did I understand you to say you were living here?"

"Yes; we removed from Halifax some time ago. Here is the address; drop in
and see us before you leave town, if you are not pressed for time," and he
handed him a card.

"Thanks! I shall be pleased to call this evening, my kind regards to the
family," and rais