Let us then lean to the side of charity, and suppose good until the proof of evil stares us in the very face; as I shall do in this instance.

I have always believed Mrs.Dexter to be the purest of women; and I believe so still." Both Mrs.Arden and her daughter seemed annoyed at this defence of a woman against whom they had so readily accepted the common rumor.
But they said nothing farther.

After that an unusual embarrassment marked their intercourse.

As early as he could, with politeness, retire, Hendrickson went away.

He did not err in his own elucidation of the mystery; for he remembered well the vision of Mrs.Dexter's face at the window--her instant sign of feeling--his own quick but not meditated response--and the sudden appearance of her husband, whose clouded countenance was full of angry suspicion.
"To this!--and so soon!" said Hendrickson to himself, as he left the house of Mrs.Arden.