Gussie knew very well that she was not included in the invitation; but she had no intention of being left out, so she eagerly answered:
"Oh, yes, of course we will go; it will be lovely and cool on the water this hot afternoon."
Hugh knew it would be useless to hint that it was Dexie alone he wanted, but he meant to get rid of her society somehow.
"You have not said if you would go, Dexie," said Hugh, looking intently into her face.
"Oh, yes! certainly. I shall be delighted to go, if Gussie thinks she will not get sick."
"I don't think Gussie was included in the invitation," said Mr. Sherwood, looking up from his paper as he became aware of the situation.
"But of course it was understood; I would not go without her," said Dexie. "What time shall we be ready?"
"I will call in half an hour," and Hugh left the room with his heavy brow drawn into a decided frown.
During the walk to the wharf Hugh was so silent that Gussie began to banter him on his gloomy countenance.
"You don't look as if you enjoyed the prospect of an afternoon on the water, after all!" she said, laughing.