The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-11-06
(Continued.)

Mrs. Bassett cast q bewildered look at
ner husband and daughter. than opened
the letter quietly; read II quietly; and.
having read II. took out her handkerchief
and began to cry quietly.
Ruperta cried. "Oh. mammal" and In
moment had one long arm around her
mothers neck while the other hand
seized the letter. and she read it aloud.
cheek to cheek; but. before enc got 10
the end. her mothers tsarS infected her.
and she must whimper. too
''Here are a couple OF geese said Rich,
ard Bassett. Cant you writo a civu
reply to civil letter. without sniveling-
I'll answer the letter for YOU"
MOT said Mrs. Bassett.
Richard was amazed: Rupreta ditto.
The little woman had never dealt In
moss least OF all to her husband and
besides this was such a plump no IL
came out OF her mouth like marble.
4 think the sound surprised even herself
a little. for she proceeded to justify II at
once. "I have been a better wife than
Christian this many years. But there's
a limit And. Richard. l should never
have married you II you mad told me We
were to he at war all our lives with our
next door neighbor. that everybody re-
spects To live in the country. and not
I never would have left my fathers house
for. Not that I complain: II you have
been bitter 10 them. you have always
been good 10 me: and hope have done
my best 10 deserve II: but when sick
LADY and perhaps dying. holds out her
hand TO me-write her one OF your cold
blooded letters That I won't. Reply
my reply will be tust putting on my bon
net and going 10 her this afternoon. II Is
passion week too. and that's not week
to play tho heathsn. Poor lady! I've
seen In her sweet eyes this many years
that she would gladly be friends with me.
and she never passed me close but she
bowed to me. I'm church and out. even
when we were ~ da-sers drawn She is a
lady. a real lady, every inch. But IL Ia
not that altogether No. n a sick woman
called me to her bedside this week. I'd
60, whether che wrote from Huntercombe
hall or the poorest house In the place;
else how could hope my Saviour would
come to my bedside at my last hour?"
This honest burst from a meek lady
who never talked nonsense. 10 be sure.
but seldom went into eloquence. stag
gered Richard Bassett. and enrsptured
Ruperta. go that she nung both arms
around her mothers neck. and cried "Oh.
mammal I always though. you were the
best woman in England. and now know
it,
Kindly enough than 10 Ruperta,. did
ever say she was not the best woman in
England? go you need not set up your
throats neck and neck at me, Ike two
geeA at fox. Unfortunately, she Is the
simplest woman In England. as well
as the best. and she Is going to visit the
cunningest. That Lady Bassett will turn
your mother inside out In no time. II
wish YOU woulG go with her; you are
shrewd girl"
MY daughter will not go till she is
asked said Mrs Bassett. firmly.
I'm that case" said Richard. dryiy.
"let us hope the Lord will protect you.
since II Is for love Of him you go into
she foxs den.'
:, No reply was voucnsafed 20 this aspira-
ton. the words being the words of faith.
but the voice the voice of skepticism.
Mrs Bassett put on her bonnet and
went 10 Huntercomhe hall.
90 After a short DELAY she was ushered
upstairs TO the room where Lady Bassett
was lying on a sofa.
Lady Bassett heard her coming and
rose 10 receive her.
She made Mrs. Bassett a court courtesy
so graceful and profound that IL rather
frightened the little woman. Seeing which,
Lady Bassett changed her style. and
came forward extending both hands with
admirable grace and gentle amity, not
overdone.
Mrs. Bassett gave her both hands. and
they looked full at each other In silence,
till the eyes OF both ladies began to Ill.
You would have come-like this-years
ago--at word?" faltered Lady Bassett.
''Yes." gulped Mrs. Bassett
Then there was another long pause.
'Oh. Lady Bassett; what a life! II Is
wonder il has not killed us both"
"Tt will kill one of us"
Not " can help It,"
God bless you for saying so! Dear
madam. sit by me, and let me hold the
hand might have had years ago, IL had
had the courage.
'why should you take the blame?" said
Mrs Bassett 1--WE have both been good
wives too obedient. perhaps. But to have
20 choose between husbands commands
and Gods law. that Is terrible thing for
any poor woman"
S'Tt Is. Indeed"
Then there was another silence. and an |
awkward pause Mrs Bassett broke n, |
with some hesitation. ''I hope, Lady Bas- |
sett your present illness is not In any |
way--1 hope YOU do not fear anything |
moro from your husband?'
."Oh. Mrs. Rassett, how can / help fear |
ing it--esp9cially II we provoke him7 Mr.. !
Reginald Bassett has returned. and you
know he once gave your husband cause
for just resentment"
sense. Even II he should. Ruperta and I
must try and keep the peace"
"Ruperta, wish I had asked YOU IN
bring her with YOU. But feared to ask
too much az once
"Ill send her to you tomorrow, Lady
Passett
mo bring her"
"Then tell me yovr hour
yes. and will send somebody out OF
the way. 7 want YOU both 10 myself
While this conversation was going on
1T Huntercombe. Richard Bassett. being
left alone with his daughter proceeded
70 work with his usual skill upon her
young mind
He reminded her of Mr.. Rutlsnd's pros
pects. and said he hoped 10 see her n
countess. and the lovcliest jewel OF the
peerage. ~
Tie then told her Mr.. Rutland was com
ing 20 stav day or two next week. a,
requested her to receive him grsciously.
She promised that At once.
THAT" said he. will he n much bet