"If you do not intend to marry him, why do you not tell him so plainly?"
she said one day, when Dexie had shut herself up in her room to avoid
meeting Hugh. "What is the use of keeping out of his way, when you know
what he wants to see you for?"
"Why should I put myself in his way, when I do not want what he has to
offer? He shall not talk to me about it, either, unless he does so before a
third party. I will not see him alone! I sent him a decided answer through
papa, so why can he not be satisfied with that? I declare, I almost hate
the man!"
"Tell him so, plainly; then, and give Gussie a chance. She is not so
foolish as to allow any sentimentality to come between her and a fortune."
"I have already told him so, as plainly as I can, mamma. But if you think I
am standing in Gussie's way, just give Hugh McNeil this message from me.
Tell him that I will _never_ marry him; that I hate the very sound of his
footsteps; that if his fortune were four times multiplied, I would not have
him; that I want him to cease persecuting me with his hateful attentions,
and leave me alone! Now, is that plain enough for any sensible man to
understand, do you think?"
"Dexie! take care! See that you do not repent those words, for I shall see
that they are repeated to him, word for word.
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