She did not show her accustomed cheerfulness, and to the inquiries of Mrs.Denison as to whether she was as well as usual, replied, as it seemed to that lady, evasively.

At length she said, with a manner that betrayed a deep interest in the subject: "I heard a strange story yesterday about an old acquaintance whom I have missed--Mr.Hendrickson." "What have you heard ?" was inquired.
"That he left the city in a mysterious manner several months ago, and has not been heard of since." "It is true," said Mrs.Denison.
"Was there anything wrong in his conduct ?" asked Jessie Loring, her usually pale face showing the warmer hues of feeling.
"Nothing.

Not even the breath of suspicion has touched his good name." "What is the explanation ?" "Common rumor is singularly at fault in the case," replied Mrs.
Denison.

"I have heard no reason assigned that to me had any appearance of truth." "Had he failed in business ?" asked Miss Loring.
"No.

He was in a good business, and accumulating property.