time when you need a friend, or if you
should ever be in trouble, will you promise to let me know and let me be
the one to help you? You know how gladly I would serve you."

"Thank you, Mr. McNeil, you are very kind; I will not forget your offered
help. I hope you will have a pleasant journey home," and she drew away her
hands and turned away.

"Dexie, when we parted in Halifax you gave me angry looks, even at the
moment of parting, but there was a hope in my heart that helped me to bear
it. It is different now; do not add to my present misery the memory of your
cool, indifferent words. Lift up your face and say, 'Good-bye, Hugh.' Do,
Dexie."

Dexie stood irresolute a moment, then, giving him her hand, she lifted her
eyes, and said in a low tone:

"Good-bye, Hugh; I did not mean to be cool or indifferent, for you have
been kinder than I dared to expect."

Something in her tone and words swept Hugh's self-control to the winds, and
he clasped her to his heart.

"My darling! my darling! must I indeed say good-bye forever; it is like
parting with you at the grave," and his hot kisses touched cheek and brow.
"I cannot bear it, Dexie. Oh! if I could die now with you here in my arms;
my darling! my darling!"

A soft knock at the door, and a moment later Guy entered.

"Time is up, McNeil, if we want to catch the train." Then putting his arm
across Dexie's shoulders, as he noticed her pale face and quivering lips,
said:

"Has it been too much for you, dearest? It was the last time, you know."

"How could you, Guy! How _could_ you send him here to me alone!" came the
low, trembling words.

"It was no use, Traverse; the first kind word unmanned me, and made me
forget that you trusted me. I have held her in my arms and kissed her face;
but forgive me, Traverse, if you can, it is the last time," and giving a
long, imploring look at Dexie, who stood with her face buried in her hands,
added, in a low voice:

"I am ready, Traverse; let us go at once, and may God help me to get over
this," and with his arm drawn through Guy's they both walked out into the
night.

CHAPTER XLII.

One morning when Dexie was out in the back garden whistling like a bird,
and busy about some domestic matters, someone outside the high fence
called:

"Georgie! I say, Georgie! come here a minute."

No answer being received, a shower of small pebbles came over the fence,
and the call was repeated.

Thinking it was Mark Perrin, a wil