The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-09-01
(Continued.)


Richard had expected this to happen
sooner or later. so he was comparatively
prepared and bowed stiffly TO Sir Charles.
Sir Charles stared at him In return. This
was observed. People were uncomforta-
BILE, especially Mrs. Harwicke. whose
thoughtlessness was TO blame for II all.
Al a very early hour Sir Charles order
Cd his carriage and drove home. instead
OF staying all night
Mrs. Hardwicke, being a fool. must
make a little more mischief. She blubber-
ed TO her husband. and he wrote Sir
Charles a remonstrance.
Sir Charles replied that he was the only
person aggrieved; Mr.. Hardwicke ought
not TO have invited blackguard to meet
him
Mr.. Hsrdwicke replied that he had new
er heard a Bassett called a blackguard
before, and had seen nothing In Mr. Bas-
sett to justify an epithet so unusual
among gentlemen. And, TO be frank with
you Sir Charles" said he. II think this
bitterness against poor gentleman,
whose estates you are so fortunate as TO
possess. Is not consistent with your gen.
ersl character. and is. indeed. unworthy
of you"
To this Sir Charles Bassett replied:
Dear Mr.. Hardwicke-You have APP
piled some remarks TO me which | will
endeavor TO forget as they were written
In entire ignorance OF the truth. But IL
we are TO remain friends. / expect you TO
believe me when tell you that Mr. Rich
ard Bassett has never been wronged by
me or mine. but has wronged me and
Lady Bassett deeply. lie IL dlshonorable
scoundrel. not entitled to be received In
society; and H. after this assurance, you
rereiva \ ha darkqn
doors again. SO please let me know your
decision remain Ft
Yours truly. M
= CHARLES DYKE BASSETT"
Mr. Hardwicke chafed under this: but
prudence stepped in He was one OF the
county members, and Sir Charles could
command three hundred votes.
He wrote back to say he had received
Sir Charles letter with PAIN but, OF
course, he could not disbelieve him. aid
therefore he should invite Mr.. Bassett
no more till the matter was cleared
But Mr.. Hardwicke. thus brought TO
book was nettled at his own meanness;
so'he sent Sir Charles letter to Mr.,
Richard Bsssett.
Bassett foamed with rage. and wrote
long letter, ravinS with insults. 20 Sir
Charles
He was in the act OF directing II when
Wheeler called on him Bassett showed
Now read what / say 10 him In re-
ply
Wheeler read Bassett's letter. Ahrew II
into the fire. and kept IL there with the
poker.
Lucky called" said he dryly Saw
ed you thousand pounds or so. You
must not write letter without me-
What, am TO sit still and be insult
ed? You're a pretty friend"
II am a wise friend. This is a more Sc
rious matter than you seem 10 think"
,"I.ibel?'
"of course. why. II Sir Charles had
consulted me, I could not have dictated !
better letter. II closes every chink a
defendant In libel can creep out Of Now |
take your pen and write to Mr.. Hard |
wicke."
Dear Sir--I have received your letter |
containing a libel written by Sir Charles |
Bassett. My reply will be public. Yours
very truly,
RICHARD BAssETT."
'Is that al?"
Every syllable. Now mind: you never
60 10 Hardwcke House again: Sir
Charles has got you banished from that |
house; special damage! There never was /
a prettier case for a jury-the rightful |
heir foully slandered by the possessor of |
his hereditary estates"
This picture excited Bassett. ano he
walked about raving with malice. and |
longed for the time when he should
stand In the witness-box and denounce
his enemy.
mo. no." said Wheeler. leave that 70
COUNSEL you must play the mild victim
In the wtness-box"
Who is the defendants solicitor? we |
ought TO serve the writ on him at once"
mo. no: serve II on himself"
What for? Much better proceed like
gentlemen"
= pao a.,
tradicted in everything II tell YOU"
said he, 1.-THE more I can irritate and ex-