AND what of Paul Hendrickson during these years of isolation, in which no intelligence could be gained of Jessie, beyond vague rumors?
For a time, he secluded himself.

Then he returned to a few of the old social circles, not much changed to the common eye.

His countenance was a little graver; his voice a little lower; his manner a trifle more subdued.

But he was a cheerful, intelligent companion, and always a welcome guest.
To no one, not even to his old friend, Mrs.Denison, did he speak of Mrs.Dexter.What right had he to speak of her?
She was still the lawful wife of another man, though separated from him by her own act.

But not to think of her was as impossible as not to think at all--not to gaze upon her image as impossible as to extinguish the inner vision.