The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-08-21
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; A TERRIBLE TEMPTATION (
BY
CHARLES READE
: :
L,N

in his affairs; but that she was devoted
to Sir Charles, and should keep him for
herself Vanity tempted her to add that
he (Sir Charles) was with her every day,
and the wedding postponed.
This last seemed too good to be true, so
Richard Bassett sent his servant TO talk
TO the servants In Portmsn square. He
learned that the wedding was now to be
on the 18th OF June. instead OF the alst Of
May
CONVINCED that this postponement was
only a blind and that the marriage would
never be, he breathed more freely at the
news
But the fact is although sir Charles
had yielded so far 20 dread OF scandal. he
was ashamed OF himself and his shame
became remorse when he detected fur
tive tear I'm the dove-like eyes OF her he
really loved and esteemed.
He went and told his trouble to Mr..
Oldheld. II am afraid she will do some
thing desperate" he said
Mr. Oldheld heard him out, and then
asked him had he told Miss Somerset
what he was going TO settle on her.
Not J. She is not In n condition 10
be influenced by that, at present"
Let me try her The draft Is ready.
I'll call on her tomorrow"
He did call. and was told che did not
know him.
'You tell her I'm lawyer. and It's very
much to her interest to see me-" said
Mr. Oldfield 10 the page.
He was admitted. but not TO a tete al
tete. Polly was kept in the room. The
Somerset had peeped. the oldheld was
an old fellow, with white hair; II he
had been a young fellow. witt blLck
hair. she might have thought that pre-
caution less necessary.
First, madam" said Oldfeld. IT must
beg you to accept my apologies for not
80 httut Atc
why have you come at all? That Is
the question" inquired the lady, blunt
ly.
IL bring the draft of a deed for your
approval. Shall read Ii TO your"
Yes: II it's not very long"
He began TO read II.
The lady interrupted him character
istically. IT'S a beastly rigmaroe
What does II mean-in three words"
''Slr Charles Bassett secures TO Rhoda
Somerset four hundred pounds a year
while single; this ls reduced TO two hun
dread II you marry. The deed further
assigns to you, without reserve. the
beneficial use OF this house, and all thu
furniture and effects, plate linen. wine,
etc"
81 sea bribe."
Nothing OF the kind. madam. When
| Sir Charles instructed me to prepare
| this deed he expected no opposition on
! your part 10 his marriage: but he thought
! n due 10 him and To yourself 10 mark
| his esteem for you. and his recollection
/ OF the pleasant hours he has spent In
! your company"
Miss Somerset's eyes searched the law
| yers face He stood the battery unninch-
! ingly. She altered her tone, and asked
\ politely and almost respectfully. whether
/ she might see that paper.
! Mr. Oldfeld gave Il 10 her. She took
! II. and ran her eyes over Il; In doing
/ which she raised II 90 that she could
\ think behind n unobserved She hended
! n back at last with the remark that
/ Sir Charles was a gentleman, and had
/ done the right thing.
| He has: and you will do the right
/ thing. too will you not?"
81 don't know I am just beginning %
| fall I'm love with him myself"
"Jealosy. madam. not love. said the old
lawyer Come. now. ! see you are a
young lady OF rare good sense; look the
thing I'm the face. Sir Charles is a landed
gentleman. he must marry, and have
heirs. He IL over 30. and his time ha
come. lie has shown himself your friend
why not be his? He has given you the
means To marry a gentleman OF moder.
ate income. or to marry beneath you. Il
| YOU prefer it.
And most OF ms do"
Then why not make his path smooth.
/ Why distress him with your tears and
| remonstrances7"
lie continued I'm this strain for sorns
time. appealing 70 her good sense and