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

ealousy were aroused; and as they gained strength, love withdrew itself, for love could not breathe the same atmosphere. The belief that Hendrickson was the man to whom Mrs. Denison referred, was full

and the caller entered. For a time, the question w

is a cursed plot on foot, and this insinuating, saintly Mrs. Denison, is one of the plotters! My

ings. "I am too excited, and cannot answer for myself. A false step

parlor, and he heard the sound of voices. Ten minutes after, he returned-the light was there stil

his heart. "Madness!" he ejaculated, and he strode up the marble steps. Grasping the bell, he resolved to e

tening, he moved onwards again; his whole being convulsed in a stronger confl

er. His purpose was to go in now, confront Jessie and Mr. Hendrickson, and act from that point onward as the nature of the case might

at home?" he ask

e burning low in the parlors, were raised, and De

s interview with Mrs. Denison, or let that subject pass untouched by even the remotest allusion? Mr. Dexter was still in de

ill you please excus

not veil his surprise. "Why doe

ow sir. She

she

y well. Something isn't r

't right

t she was crying when

yin

for believing that Dexter was not really the heart-choice of Jessie-and with the tact of her sex, took it u

she cry a

and she so soon to be married. It doesn't

How wron

d myself over and over a

ent or two. He tried to speak indifferently; but the quick

cold monosyllabl

was

don't k

e a st

him, sir," a

let h

e cook went

s lips with d

ing that I wish to see he

hesit

my request?" He spoke

," persisted the girl. "She's not at all her

d his hand, and

oring, and tell her that she will confer a favor by seein

er, both hands covering her face, whe

u wasn't well, and wished to be excused. But no, he must see you! Something's gone wrong with

ew a long

said, rising and looking

o see the man who dared order me down in this style. He's jealo

urned to the girl with a start

if you hadn't a v

el

Only 'yes,'

no more?" aske

hat business had he to ask whether you ha

ook and voice of Miss Loring. "You

spleases you. But I was

his question. W

wanted to kno

ou tel

N

what did y

atify him; and I said

el

. 'No, the cook went to the door,' said I. You should have seen him then. He was baf

him! Did h

bellion in J

d. But he looked and meant

't know who ca

from me, miss. But yo

he desires. Go and say that I

g a few moments with her feelings, went down

his eyes fixed intently on the face of his betrothed. She tried to smile, and receive him with her usual kindness

u? Has anythi

lips with words. The tones of D

turning away her face that she might av

to a sofa. They sat down, side by

disposed all day?

me," was answered in a husky voice, an

ere was

and then waited almost breathlessly for a response, look

d y

y a sign of inter

ave met her

ew t

seen her

N

d nothing by

k of her?" he add

ne social qualities

that she had any special interest in Mrs. Denison. This was some relief;

an air of indifference. "She's a little too pry

r particularly fr

interview this evening gave me a d

changed tone, as if some thought of more than common interest had

was his

to see me this evening has grown out of something you heard

red for this. After a slig

tly

anner of Jessie Loring

mmunicate, as of course you

almost stately air with which Jessie drew up her slight form,

me. But Leon Dexter had neither the

g that her lover had failed to answer. There was not a qu

." Dexter spok

did sh

resume his wonted pleasant exterior. "What else could sh

answered Jessie firmly, "that disturbed you. No

isclosures." Dext

u were at Mr

es

you would take no excuse. Your manner to the servant was not only disturbed, but imperative. To me it is constrained, and altogether different from anything I have hitherto noticed.

or tortuous-manly or evasive. There was too much apparent risk in the former; and so he c

love has ever a touch of jealousy; and something that Mrs. Denison intimated aroused tha

to his lips, and ki

s Loring. Her manner was less exci

because I imagined intrigue, and a purpose to rob me of so

surprise. Mrs. Denison, if I understand he

is own thoughts. "She has filled my mind with dark suspicions. Why, Jessie!" and he assum

s surprise was natura

one," said Dexter. "What sh

ha

on. Love with me is so vital a thing, that the remotest suspicion of losing its obj

hat,

Dexter was holding one of her hands

were fal

ng to her feet. Bright spots burned

did she mean by such

r. If I was disturbed, is that a cause of wonder? Would not such an allegation against me have disturbed you? It would! But that

r the part I have played this evening.

d Miss Loring, unsatisfie

, of course. What e

he say

d the meaning as clearly as if she

r words?" ask

as to words, from the matter first in her thought, yet filling my min

clear remark-somethi

-a nightmare created by some spirit of evil. A single glance into your dear face and loving eyes rebukes my folly and accu

Was she satisfied with the explanation? Of course n

to-night. Now I shall find the sweetest slumber that has yet refreshed my spirit-and may your sleep, dearest, be gentle as the sleep of flowers! I will leave you now, for I remember that you are far from being well this evening. It will grieve me to think that my untimely int

o the state of Jessie's feelings. She had not repelled him in any way-but his ardent words and acts we

ssi

look

night,

ght, Mr.

s teeth, as he passed into the street a moment afterwards

ttle comforted by his interview with Jessie, and wit