A second attack of brain fever, should it unfortunately follow this agitation, will certainly prove fatal." Dexter was silent.
"We must keep our own counsel for the present," he said, at length.
"The public should know nothing of all this." "In that we are agreed," answered Mrs.Loring.

"My advice to you is, to leave Jessie, for the time being at least, to her own will.
Serious prostration of all her faculties, I cannot but fear as a consequence.

To-morrow, she will in all probability need her physician's care." "How will you account for her condition, should his attendance be deemed necessary ?" Mrs.Loring shook her head.
"Events," she answered, "are too recent, and my mind too much bewildered to say what course I may deem it the wisest policy to pursue.

I must await the occasion, and govern myself accordingly." "Be very prudent, madam," said Mr.Dexter.

"A single error may wreck everything." "Her reputation is as dear to me as my own," replied Mrs.Loring, "and you may be very sure, that I will guard it as a most precious thing.