"She left him several days ago, and is now with her aunt, Mrs.Loring." "A separation! On what ground ?" Hendrickson's breathing oppressed him.
"Something wrong with Mrs.Dexter, I am told.

She had too many admirers--so the story goes; and, worse still--for admiration she couldn't help--one lover." It was Mrs.Arden who said this.
"Who was the lover ?" asked Mr.Hendrickson.His voice was so quiet, and his tones so indifferent, that none suspected the intense interest with which he was listening.
"I have not heard his name," replied Mrs.Arden.
"Does he live in this city ?" "I believe not.

Some new acquaintance, made at Newport, I think.

You remember that she was very ill there last summer ?" "Yes." "Well, the cause of that illness is now said to have been a discovery by Mr.Dexter of some indiscretion on her part, followed by angry remonstrance on his." "That is the story ?" "Yes." "And what caused the separation which has just taken place ?" "A renewal of this intimacy," said Mrs.Arden.
"A very serious charge; and, I believe without foundation in truth," replied Hendrickson.

He spoke slowly, yet not with strong emphasis.
His auditors did not know that he was simply controlling his voice to hide his agitation.
"Oh, there is no doubt as to its truth," said Mrs.Arden.