Did I hesitate a moment when you suddenly declared your wish to leave Saratoga for Newport ?" "No, of course you did not; for you were too glad of the opportunity to get here." There was a strange gleam in the eyes of Mr.Dexter as he said this; and his voice had in it an angry bitterness never before observed.
"What do you mean, sir ?" demanded the outraged wife, turning upon her husband abruptly, and showing an aspect so stern and fierce, that the astonished man retreated a pace or two as if in fear.

Never before had he seen in that beautiful face the reflection of a spirit so wildly disturbed by passion.
"Speak out, Leon Dexter! What do you mean ?" And her eyes rested on his with a glance as steady as an eagle's.
"I saw your meeting a little while ago." Mr.Dexter rallied a little.
"What meeting ?" There was no betraying sign in Mrs.Dexter's face, nor the least faltering in her tones.
"Your meeting with _him_." "With whom?
Speak out plainly, sir! I am in no mood for trifling, and in no condition for solving riddles." "With Paul Hendrickson." Dexter pronounced the name slowly, and with all the meaning emphasis he could throw into his voice.
"Well, sir, what of that ?" Still neither eye nor voice faltered.
"Much! You see that I understand you!" "I see that you do not understand me," was firmly answered.

"And now, sir, will you suffer me to demand an explanation of your language just now.

I want no evasion--no faltering--no holding back.
'Too glad of an opportunity to get here!' That was the sentence.

Its meaning, sir ?" The small head of Mrs.Dexter was erect; her nostrils distended; her lips closely laid upon each other; her eyes full fixed and almost fiery in their intense light.