CHAPTER XIV.
AN hour later: Scene, the public parlor.
"Mrs.Dexter." The lady rose, a pleasant smile animating her face, and returned the gentleman's courteous greeting.
"Mr.Hendrickson." Yes, that was the name on her lips.
"You arrived to-day," he said, and he took a place at the other end of the _tete-a-tete_.
"Yes." "From Saratoga, I believe ?" "Yes.

How long have you been at Newport ?" "I arrived only this morning.

You are looking very well, Mrs.
Dexter." "Am I ?" "Yes.

Time lays his hands upon you lightly!" The shadow of another's presence came between them.
"Mr.Dexter, my husband; Mr.Hendrickson, from B--," said Mrs.
Dexter, with the most perfect ease of manner, presenting the two gentlemen.

They had met before, as the reader knows, and had good reason for remembering each other.