CHAPTER V.
WHEN Paul Hendrickson left the house of Mrs.Loring, his mind was in a state of painful excitement.

The inopportune appearance of Dexter had so annoyed him, that he had found it impossible to assume the easy, cheerful air of a visitor.

He was conscious, therefore, of having shown himself in the eyes of Miss Loring to very poor advantage.

Her manner at parting had, however, reassured him.

As they stood for a moment in the vestibule he saw her in a new light.
The aspect of her countenance was changed, the eyes, that fell beneath his earnest gaze, burned with a softened light, and he read there a volume of tender interest at a single glance.
"I shall be pleased to see you again, Mr.Hendrickson." There was more than a parting compliment in her tones as she said these words.
"I have never thought you stupid." What pleasure he derived from repeating these sentences over and over again! Early in the evening he called upon his friend Mrs.Denison.
"I have come to talk with you again about Miss Loring," said he.