But depend upon it, sir, these will not fill the aching void that must be in Jessie Loring's heart, if you have no power to fill it with your image--for she is no ordinary woman.

I have observed her carefully since this engagement, and grieve to see that she is not happy.

Have you seen no change ?" Mrs.Denison waited for an answer.
"She is not so cheerful; I have noticed that," replied the young man.
"Have you ever questioned in your own mind as to the cause ?" "Often." "And what was the solution!" "I remain ignorant of the cause." "Mr.Dexter; _I_ am not ignorant of the cause!" "Speak, then, in Heaven's name!" The young man betrayed a deeper excitement than he wished to manifest.

He had been struggling with himself.
"Her heart is not yours!" said Mrs.Denison, with suppressed feeling.

"It is a hard saying, but I speak it in the hope of saving both you and the maiden from a life of wretchedness." "By what authority and under what instigation do you say this ?" was demanded almost angrily.