"You are going a step too far, madam!" The change in his manner was very sudden.
"I speak from myself only," replied Mrs.Denison, calmly.
"If her heart is not mine, whose is it ?" Dexter showed strong excitement.
"I am not her confidant." "Who is?
Somebody must speak from her, if I am to credit your assertion." "Calm yourself, my young friend," said Mrs.Denison; "there are signs which a woman can read as plainly as if they were written words; and I have felt too deep an interest in this matter not to have marked every sign.

Miss Loring is not happy, and the shadow upon her spirit grows darker every day.

Before this engagement, her glad soul looked ever out in beauty from her eyes; now--but I need not describe to you the change.

You have noted its progress.

It is an extreme conclusion that her heart is not in the alliance she is about to form." A long silence followed.
"If you were certain that I am right--if, with her own lips, Jessie Loring were to confirm what I have said--what then ?" "I would release her from this engagement; and she might go her ways! The world is wide." He spoke with some bitterness.
"The way is plain, then.