CHAPTER XIII.
THE effort to interest her husband in things purely intellectual failed, and a shade of disappointment settled on the feelings of Mrs.Dexter.She soared, altogether, too far up into the mental atmosphere for him.

He thought her ideal and transcendental; and she felt that only the sensual principles in his mind were living and active.

Conversation died between them, and both relapsed into that abstracted silence--musing on one side and moody on the other--which filled so large a portion of their time when together.
"Shall we go down to the parlors ?" said Mr.Dexter, rousing himself.
"The afternoon is running away fast towards evening." "I am more fatigued than usual," was answered, "and do not care to make my appearance before tea-time.

You go down; and I will occupy myself with a book.

When the tea-bell rings, I will wait for you to come and escort me to the table." Mr.Dexter did not urge his wife to leave their rooms, but went down as she had suggested.