The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-09-18
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; A TERRIBLE Temptation {
BY
: CHARLES READE
AN NN~NH~N~
CHARLES READE

house could tell them the women eRsed
on the men. and they did break the win
dows; but they no sooner saw their own
work than they were a little alarmed
at II. and retired. talking very loudly
10 support their waning curage and check
their rising remorse at their deed.
They left a house full of holes and
screams. and poor little Mrs. Bassett
half dead with fright.
As for Lady Bassett. she spent hor-
rible night OF terror. suspense and agony.
She could not lie down. nor even sit
still. she walked incessantly, wringing
her hands. and groaning for news.
Mary Wells did all she could 10 COM
fort her, but II was a situation beyond
the power OF words TO alleviate.
Her intolerable suspense lasted It'll four
o'clock in the morning; and then In the
still night. horses feet came Gathering
up 10 the door.
Lady Bassett went into the hall. 1t was
dimly lighted by a single lamp. The great
door was opened, and in clattered Moss
and Drake, splashed and weary and
downcast
"wer!" cried Lady Bassett, clasping
her hands
MY lady" cried Moss. I'VE tracked
the carriage into the next country. TO
a place thirty miles from hereto a lodge
land there they stopped US. The place
is well guarded with men, and great big
dogs. We heard EN- bark. didn't US.
win?r
"Ay." said Drake dejectedly.
The man as kept the lodge was short.
but civil Says he This Is a place no
body comes in but by law. and nobody
goes out but by law. II the gentleman
is here you may go home and Sleep he is
safe enough"
"A prison? Mo-"
Asylum, my lady
CHAPTER XXI
The lady put her hand TO her heart.
and was silent a long time.
Al last she said doggedly but family,
you will 60 with me TO that place to-
morrow. one OF you
"Tn go. my lady" said Moss, will.
here had etter not show his face. They
might take the law on him for that shot"
Drake hung his head. and his ardor
was evidently cooled by discovering that
Sir Charles had been taken TO a mad
house.
Lady Bassett saw and sighed. and said
she would take Moss 10 show her the
way.
At eleven o'clock next morning a light
carriage and pair came around 10 the
hall gate. and large basket. portman1
teau and a bag were placed on the roof
under care OF Moss; smaller packages
were put inside; and Lady Bassett ana
her maid got in. both dressed in black
They reached Bellevue house at half
past two The lodge gate was open. TO
Lady Rassett's surprise. and they drove
through some pleasant grounds TO
large white house
The place at first sight had no dis-
tinctive character; great ingenuity had
been used TO secure the inmates without
seeming to incarcerate them. There were
no hars TO the lower front windows. and
the side windows, with their defenses.
were shrouded by shrubs The sentinels
were out OF sight or employed on some
occupation or other. but within call
Some patients were playing at cricket
some ladies looking on; others stroiling
on the gravel with a nurse. dressed very
much like themselves. who did not oo-
,rude her functions unnecessarily All
was apparent indifference and argus-eyed
vigilance. SO much for the surface
of course even at this moment some or
the locked rooms had violent and misera-
bic inmates.
The hall door opened as the carriage
drew up a respectable servant came for-
ward
Iadv Bassett handed him her card. and
said, 81 am come 10 see my huepaho'
sir
The man never moved muscle. but
said "You must walt. IL you please, till
take your card in
He soon returned. and said DR..
suaby Ia not here. but the gentleman In
charge will see you
Lady Bassett got out. and, beckonins
Mary wells. followed the servant into
curious room. half-lbrary half-chem-
lists shop: they called II ''the labora-
tory"
Here she found a tall man leaning on
dirty mantepiece who received her
stiffly He had pale mustache. very thin
lips, and altogether very severe man.
ner. His head bald. rather prematurely,
and whiskers abundant
LADY Rassett looked him all over with
one glance Of her woman's eye. and saw
she had a hard and vain man to deal with.
Are YOU the gentleman TO whom this
house belongs?" she faltered.
NO madam; am in charge during DR..
Suaby's absence"
THAT comes TO the same thing. Sir,
am come 10 see my dear husband
'1fave you an order?
"An order. sir 7 am his wife.
Mr. Salter shrugged his shoulders
little and then said, 80! have no author
ity to let any visitor see a patient without
an order from the person by whose au-
thority he is placed here. or else from the
commissioners.
But that cannot apply to his wife: to-
her who is one with him. for better for
worse in sickness or health"
ut seems hard; but ] have no discre-
tion in the matter. The patient only came
yesterday-m EXCEED. He IL better to-
day. and an interview with you would ex-
cite him again"
"Oh. no! no! no I can always soothe
him. I will be so mild. go gentle You can
be present. and hear every word I say
will only kiss him and tell him who has
done this and 20 be brave for his wife