She was also informed that the one whose name she could not guess, made only a brief visit, and that Mr.Dexter remained long, and was for most of the time in earnest conversation with Jessie.
Her hopes gave her conclusions a wide latitude.

She doubted not that the elegant, wealthy suitor was pressing a claim for the hand of her niece.
"Will she be such a little fool as to throw this splendid chance away ?" she questioned with herself.

"No--no;" was the answer.
"Jessie will not dare to do it! She is a strange girl in some things, and wonderfully like her mother; but she will never refuse Leon Dexter, if so lucky as to get an offer." Mrs.Loring heard Mr.Dexter leave the house, and with expectation on tip-toe, waited for Jessie to join her in the sitting-room.

But while she yet listened for the sound of footsteps on the stairs below, her ears caught the light rustle of Jessie's garment as she glided along the passages and away to her own chamber.
"Something has taken place!" said Mrs.Loring to herself.

"There's been a proposal, I'll bet my life on't! Why didn't the girl come and tell me at once?
Ain't I her nearest relative--and haven't I always been like an own mother to her?
But she's so peculiar--just as Alice used to be.