CHAPTER VIII.
A FEW days after the meeting between Mr.Hendrickson and Miss Loring, as just mentioned, Mr.Dexter received the following communication: "DEAR SIR--I am scarcely well enough acquainted with you to venture this note and request; but I happen to know of something so vital to your happiness, that I cannot feel conscience-clear and not ask an interview.

I shall be at home this evening.
"ALICE DENISON." Early in the evening, Dexter was at the house of Mrs.Denison.
"You have frightened me my dear madam!" he said, almost abruptly, as he entered the parlor, where he found her awaiting him.
"I have presumed on a slight acquaintance, Mr.Dexter, to ask an interview on a very delicate subject," Mrs.Denison replied.

"May I speak freely, and without danger of offending, when no offence is designed ?" "I have not had the pleasure of knowing you intimately, Mrs.
Denison," replied the visitor, "but it has been no fault of mine.

I have always held you in high regard; and always been gratified with our passing intercourse on the few occasions it has been my privilege to meet you.

That you have felt enough concern for my welfare to ask this interview, gratifies me.