Part 48 (1/2)
Dexie left the watch in Lancy's care and went home, but she was present next evening when the lieutenant called to claim his property; and as he brought with him a letter of introduction from Major Gurney, he was well received, and his pleasant and affable manner won golden opinions from all.
Yet not from all, either, for Hugh McNeil watched him with frowning brows, and he scowled darkly as he observed Dexie and the lieutenant in close conversation in a corner by themselves.
When Hugh met the lieutenant in the hall on his way out, he did not hesitate to put the question that had been troubling him all day:
”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 x.x.xIV.
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 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 he took out his watch, then turned aside as he saw Hugh's agitated face.
”It is really settled, then,” said Hugh, in a low voice, as he took Dexie's hand. ”I wish you had left something that I could do for you, so that my life will not feel quite so empty.”