She was sitting as he had left her, seeming scarcely to have stirred during his absence.

Her eyes were on the floor, and when he said, "Come, Jessie!" she started and looked up at him, in a confused way.
"Our apartments are ready; come." He had to speak a second time before she seemed to comprehend his meaning.

She arose like one in deep thought, and moved along by her husband's side, leaving the parlor, and going up to the rooms which had been assigned to them.

The change in her countenance and manner was so great, that her husband could not help remarking upon it.
"Are you not well, Jessie ?" he asked, as she sat down with a weary air.
"Not very well," she answered--yet with a certain evasion of tone that repelled inquiry.
Mr.Dexter scanned her countenance sharply.

She lifted her eyes at the moment to his face, and started slightly at the unusual meaning she saw therein.