The Hand but Not the Heart; Or, The Life-Trials of Jessie Loring

rickson and Miss Loring, as just mentioned, M

equest; but I happen to know of something so vital to your happiness, that I canno

E DEN

, Dexter was at the

e said, almost abruptly, as he entered th

rview on a very delicate subject," Mrs. Denison replied. "May I speak

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

arry Jessie Loring,

eyes with a look of earnest

she at first intended, and she was already in doubt as t

xter, that you posses

adam!" he answered, with a st

ister or hidden purpose-but am influenced by higher motives. Nor am I acting at the instance of another. What passes between us this evening shall be sacred. I said

at for a long while silent, bu

nison, breaking in upon his silence. She saw a shade of impatience on his coun

t be retraced. Whether the path be rough or even, it must be pursued to the end. If the union be harmonious-internally so, I mean-peace, joy, interior delight will go on, finding daily increase-if inharmonious, eternal discord will curse the mar

u are in great danger of making shipwreck. An ordinary woman-worldly, superficial, half-hearted, or no-hearted-even if she did not really love you, would find ample compensation in your fortune, and in the social advantages it must secure. But depend upon it, sir, the

n waited fo

; I have noticed that,"

ioned in your own mi

ft

was the

gnorant of

am not ignorant

en, in Hea

itement than he wished to manifest.

feeling. "It is a hard saying, but I speak it in the hope o

on do you say this?" was demanded almost an

his manner w

f only," replied Mr

e, whose is it?" Dexter

t her co

peak from her, if I am t

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 beau

ilence f

, with her own lips, Jessie Loring were

s engagement; and she might g

ith some b

did not possess the key that would unlock the sacred places of her heart; and you may add further, that I say the key is held by another. This will bring the right issue.

imed Dexter, rising,

t, think of me as one who, under the pressure of a high sense of responsibility, has simply discharged a painful duty. I have no p

forward. I have marked your words and manner very closely; and this is my conclusion: You not only believe that I do not posse

eyes sunk under his gaze, and for some moments her self

holly

ountenance

!-give me

with ag

too far," said Mrs.

Hendr

keenly into th

she repeated. "I cann

imperative. "I demand the yes or no.

ection," replied Mrs. Denison. "I am pained to see you so much disturbed. My hope was, that you would go to Miss L

hopes to rival me in Jessie's love, he will find himself vastly in error. No, no, madam! If i

ison, mingled with a stronger feeling of contempt.

ld see Miss Loring under the influence of a better state. And I pray you still to be calm, rational, generous, manly. Go to her in a noble, unselfi

to possess," was answered, a little sarcastical

me in even the least thing, or let the slightest suggestion of a sinister motive find a lodgment in your mind. I have had no purpose but a good one to serve, and shal

vening,

d with a co

g!" was mild

young man

as she retired from the door. "I meant it for the best, and