For the present she enjoined silence as to what had occurred; and reserve or evasion of questions should curious inquirers approach them at school or elsewhere.
Before Jessie had arisen, Mr.Dexter called.

He looked worn and troubled.

It was plain that his night had been sleepless.
"How is she ?" he asked of Mrs.Loring, almost fearfully, as if dreading the answer.

He did not pronounce the name of his wife.
"Better than I had hoped," was replied.
"Has she required the attention of a physician ?" "No." Mr.Dexter seemed relieved.
"What is her state of mind ?" "She is more tranquil than I had expected to find her." Mrs.Loring's manner was cold.
"Have you conversed with her this morning ?" "But little." "Will she see me ?" "I think not." "Will you ask her ?" "Not now.

She is too weak to bear a recurrence of agitating scenes." Mr.Dexter bit his lips firmly as if striving with his feelings.
"When can I see her ?" "That question I am unable now to answer, Mr.Dexter.But my own opinion is that it will be better for you to see her to-morrow than to-day: better next week than to-morrow.