The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-10-16

but not in the same leaden stupor. on
the contrary he was in a state OF tremor;
he had lost. under the late blow. the
sanguine mind that used 10 carry him
through everything.
The doctor was upstairs, and his wifes
fate trembled In the balance.
Stay by me-" said he. "for all my
nerve Is gone. I'm afraid l shall lose
her. for / have just begun to value her;
and that is how God deals with His crea-
tures--the merciful God, as they call
Him"
Wheeler thought IT rather hard God
Almighty should be blamed because Dick
Bassett had taken eight years TO find out
his wife's merit. but he forbode 10 say
So He said kindly that he would stay.
Now while they sat In trying suspense
the church-bells struck up a merry peal.
Bassett started violently. and his eyes
gave a strange glare. That's the other"
said he; for he had heard about Lady
Bassett by this time.
Then he turned pale. They ring for
him; then they are sure 10 toll for me-
This foreboding was natural enough in
a man so blinded by egotism as 10 fancy
that all creation. and the Creator Him
self. must take side in Bassett IS. Bas-
sett
Nevertheless, events did not Justify that
foreboding. The bells had scarcely done
ringing for the happy event at Hunter
combe. when joyful feet were heard run
ming on the stairs: joyful voices clashed
together in the passage and I'm came n
female servant with Joyful tiding Mrs
Bsssett was safe, and the child IN the
world. The loveliest little girl you ever
saw"
"A girl" cried Bassett. with contemptu-
Gus amazement. Even his melancholy
forebodings had not gone that length.
And what have they got at Hunter
combe7"
"Of course"
The ringers heard, and sent out one Of
their number 10 ask him II they should
ring.
What for?" asked Bassett with a
nasty glittering eye. and then with sud
den fury he seized large piece OF wood
from the basket 20 fling at his insulter
''I'll teach YOU 10 come and mock me"
The ringer vanished. duckling.
Gently" said Wheeler gently"
Bassett chucked the wood back into the
basket and sat down gloomily saying.
Then how dare he come and talk about
ringing bells for a girl! To think that
should have all this fright. and my wife
all this trouble-for a girl
II was no time To talk OF business then:
but about a fortnight afterward Wheeler
you expense"
Quite right" said Bsssett wearily
Il gave you the woman's address: so
the matter is in your hands now. con-
slider"
"Xss." said Bassett YEARLY Move
no further in e."
Certainly not, and. frankly. should
be glad 10 see you abandon It."
II have abandoned II. Why should /
stir the mud now7 and mine are thrown
out forever; the only question r.. shaIl q
a son OF Sir Charles or the parsons con
inherit? I'm for the wrongful heir Ay."
he cried. starting up. and beating the air
with his nsts in sudden fury. since the
right Bassetts are never 20 have r.. let
the wrong Bassetts be thrown out, az oil
events. I'm on my back. but Sir Charles
is no better on: a bastard will succeed
him. thanks TO that cursed woman who
defeated me"
This turn took Wheeler by surprise II
alec gave him real pain. "Bassett," said
he. Il pity you. What sort Of life has
yours been for the last eight years. Yet
when there's no fuel left for war and
hatred. you blow the embers. You are
incurable"
Il am. said Richard. "rn hate those