would have rejoiced to feel myself free. I would have plucked her out of my
heart if I could, but my love seems a part of my life, and I cannot kill it
while I live myself. I believe you are a noble, generous man, or you never
would have won her heart. Be good to her, since you have taken her from me,
for if I thought there should ever be a time when you would cause a tear to
fall or grieve her heart by a word, I would kill you where you stand!"

Dexie hid her face against Guy's breast as Hugh's hot words poured like a
torrent from his lips, but Guy drew her protectingly to his side, and his
firm, clear voice sounded low and distinct as he replied:

"Have no fear for Dexie, Mr. McNeil! She shall always be my first thought
and care. I cannot blame you for loving her, though it is but natural that,
under the present circumstances, I should regret to hear you own it. Dexie
has given me her love willingly and freely, and I am sure she will be happy
as my wife, the present condition of her father being the only obstacle
that prevents our immediate marriage."

"Forgive me, Traverse! my words were hasty!" and Hugh held out his hand,
"but my heart is sore at the disappointment. I have hastened forward with
all possible speed, hoping for something so different from this, that my
heart rebels. But I shall go back to Halifax, Dexie, and the day I hear of
your marriage I shall propose to Nina Gordon. I wish to my heart she was
dumb! I might persuade myself into thinking sometimes that I had you near
me, if only she would keep her mouth shut! If I cannot have your love, I
may be able to delude myself into thinking that I have your presence near
me occasionally."

"Oh, Mr. McNeil! you cannot mean what you are saying! You surely would not
do such a thing as that!" said Dexie, in a horrified tone. "Your good sense
will prevent you from throwing your life away so needlessly. Oh! I cannot
think that you have a thought of such a thing. It would be dreadful!" and
the dark eyes met his with an eagerness that was questioning.

"I heard you say once that if she were away from her mother one might make
anything they liked of her," said he, more quietly. "I shall make a second
Dexie of her if the thing is possible, for I'll see to it that she keeps
her tongue quiet till it suits her face!"

This was uttered in such a tone that Dexie shuddered. His outbursts of
passion seemed less devilish than this quieter expressed determination, for
it w