CHAPTER XIV.
A STARTLING EXPERIENCE.
_MRS.

EMERSON_ did not feel altogether comfortable in mind as she rode away from her door alone.

She was going unattended by her husband, and against his warmly-spoken remonstrance, to pass an evening with people of whom she knew but little, and against whom he had strong prejudices.
"It were better to have remained at home," she said to herself more than once before her arrival at Mrs.Talbot's.

The marked attentions she received, as well from Mrs.Talbot as from several of her guests, soon brought her spirits up to the old elevation.

Among those who seemed most attracted by her was Major Willard, to whom reference has already been made.
"Where is your husband ?" was almost his first inquiry on meeting her.