He could not discover by Jessie's manner that she had any special interest in Mrs.Denison.This was some relief; for it removed the impression that there was an understanding between them.
"I don't admire her a great deal," he said, with an air of indifference.

"She's a little too prying and curious; and I'm afraid, likes to gossip." "Ah! I thought her particularly free from that vice." "I had that impression also.

But my interview this evening gave me a different estimate of her character." "Did you come from Mrs.Denison's directly here ?" asked Jessie in a changed tone, as if some thought of more than common interest had flitted through her mind.

This change Dexter did not fail to observe.
"I did," was his answer.
"Then I may infer," said Jessie, "that your pressing desire to see me this evening has grown out of something you heard from the lips of Mrs.Denison.Am I right in this conclusion ?" Dexter was not quite prepared for this.

After a slight hesitation he answered-- "Partly so." The cold indifferent manner of Jessie Loring passed away directly.
"If you have anything to communicate, as of course you have, say on, Mr.Dexter." As little prepared was he for this; and quite as little for the almost stately air with which Jessie drew up her slight form, returning his glances with so steady a gaze that his eyes fell.
The hour and the opportunity had come.