But this was impossible.

She had been profoundly disturbed, and that too recently for self-possession.
"What ails you?
Has anything happened ?" Jessie had not yet trusted her lips with words.

The tones of Dexter evinced some fretfulness.
"I am not very well," she said, partly turning away her face that she might avoid the searching scrutiny of his eyes.
Dexter took her hand and led her to a sofa.

They sat down, side by side, in silence--ice between them.
"Have you been indisposed all day ?" inquired Dexter.
"I have not been very well for some time," was answered in a husky voice, and in a manner that he thought evasive.
Again there was silence.
"I called to see Mrs.Denison this evening," said Dexter; and then waited almost breathlessly for a response, looking at Jessie stealthily to note the effect of his words.
"Did you ?" There was scarcely a sign of interest in her voice.
"Yes.

You have met her, I believe ?" "A few times." "Have you seen her recently ?" "No." Dexter gained nothing by this advance.
"What do you think of her ?" he added, after a pause.
"She is a lady of fine social qualities and superior worth." Again the young man was silent.