Just half an hour previous to this brief interview, Mr. Dexter was sitting in one of the parlors, and near him were two men, strangers, in conversation. The utterance by one of them of his wife's name, caused him to be on the instant all attention.
"She's charming!" was the response.
"One of the most fascinating women I have ever met! and my observation, as you know, is not limited. She would produce a sensation in Paris."
"Is she a young widow?"
"No—unfortunately."
"Who, or what is her husband?" was asked.
"A rich nobody, I'm told."
"Ah! He has taste."
"Taste in beautiful women, at least," was the rejoinder.
"Is he here?"