Deeply and solemnly did this conviction weigh upon her thoughts.

View the case in any of the lights which shone into her mind, she could not discover an aspect that gave her real comfort.

It is true she was free from all legal obligations to her former husband, and that was something gained.
But what of that husband's position under the literal reading of the divine law?
No doubt he contemplated marriage.

But could he marry, conscience clear?
Had not her false vows cursed both their lives ?--imposed on each almost impossible necessities?
Such were the questions that thrust themselves upon her, and clamored for solution.
She had not solved them when the intelligence came of Mr.Dexter's marriage in England.
"I have news that will surprise you," said Mrs.Loring, coming into the sitting-room where Jessie was at work on a piece of embroidery.
"What is it ?" she asked, looking up almost with a start, for something in her aunt's manner told her that she had a personal interest in the news.
"Mr.Dexter is married!" Instantly a pallor overspread Jessie's face.
"Married to an English lady," said Mrs.Loring.
Jessie looked at her aunt for a little while, but without a remark.
She then turned her eyes again upon her embroidery, lifting it close to her face.

But her hand trembled so that she could not take a stitch.
"I hope he's satisfied now," said Mrs.Loring.