But Hugh had discovered that there was one way left him in which he could
win a smile from Dexie, and he did not scruple to use it, though he was
well aware that by doing so he was giving Gussie a false hope.
He had only to take a seat by Gussie's side, and say a few words to her,
even the most commonplace, and Dexie's reserve would melt at once, so he
spent many pleasant evenings in the parlor by this little scheme. He knew
very well that Gussie was spreading her net, but if he found Dexie
entangled in the meshes instead, Gussie's injured feelings would not
trouble him. All stratagems are fair in love and war, so he smiled to
himself and took courage.
Good fortune did not spoil Hugh. It made his good qualities shine out all
the more brightly, and his friends admired as well as envied him. Dexie
heard his praises sung from so many different quarters that her dislike to
him was fast melting away, and seated by Gussie's side she could look on
him with favor. But Hugh was merely biding his time, and was constantly on
the watch for a favorable opportunity to press his suit personally and
alone, in spite of the fact that Dexie considered the matter forever
settled between them.
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