The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-09-16
(Continued.)

(COntlnueu.)
In the present condition OF her mind
these words produced a strange effect on
Lady Bassett. She auivered. and her eyes
began to rove in that peculiar way have
already noticed; and then she started up,
and walked wildly 20 and fro; and then
she kneeled down and prayed and then,
alarmed. perplexed. exhausted. she went
and leaned her head on her patients
shoulder. and wept softly a long time.
Some days passed. and no more strang
ers attempted TO see Sir Charles.
Lady Bassett was beginning to breathe
again, when she was afflicted by an un-
welcome discovery.
Mary Wells tainted away so suddenly
that, but for Lady Bassetts quick eye
and ready hand. she would have fallen
heavily.
Lady Bassett laid her head down and
ioosened her stays, and discovered her
condition. She said nothing till the young
woman was wen, and then she taxed her
with H.
Mary denied It plump; but, seeing her
distress disgust at the falsehood, she
owned II, with many tears.
Being asked how she could so far for
get herself. she told Lady Bassett she
had long been courted by a respectable
young man; he had come 10 the village,
bound ON three years voyage, 20 bid
her good by. and what with love and
grief at parting. they had been betrayed
into folly; and now he was on the salt
seas. little dreaming IN what condition he
had left her: and" said she, before
eser he can write 20 me- and TO him, l
snall be ruined girl: that Is why
wanted TO put an end to myself; will.
TOO. unless can find some way 10 hide II
from the world"
Lady Bassett begged her 10 give up
a fhfsae aAa na1h
mink what could be done for her. Lady
Esssett could say no more to her just
then, for she was disgusted with her.
ter an, this was not a lady and that she
appeared by her own account TO be the
victim OF affection and frailty rather
and then the girl laid aside her trouble.
Fer despair. and given her sorrowful
Zsnd to the nursing and comforting Sir
Charles. This would have ortweighed a
crime. and IL made the wife's bowels
yearn over the unfortunate girl Mary"
said shc, Others must Judge you: | am
wife. and can only see your RisIity
TO my poor husband ] don't know what
my duty 10 send you TO him IL possible.
You are sure he really loves your
..,s me &c cross ,h the seas after a young man."
self on the highest tree and make an end.
No, my lady, IL you are really my friend,
let me stay here as long as l can-I viii
then give me money enough TO get my
trouble over unbeknown TO my sister; che
Is all my fear. She is married 10 a gen.
tlemen. and got plenty OF money and
shall never want while she lives. and
behave myself; but she would never for
give me IL she knew. She Is n hard wo-
man; she is not like you. my lady. ia
lever cut my hand of than ia trust
her as I would you
Lady Bassett was not quite insensible
-. lt..x~ l..N Atx Ola
What, help you to deceive your sis
teri"
For her good. Why. if any one was
10 go and tell her about me now, she'd
hate them for telling her almost as much
as she would hate me-
Lady Bassett was sore perplexed. Tn
able to see quite clear In the matter,
she naturally reverted to her husband
and his interest That dictated her
course She said, well, stay with us.
Mary,as long az you can ;and then money
shall not be wanting to hide your shame
from all the world; but hope when the
time comes you will alter your mind and
tell your sister. May 1 ask what her
name is?"
Mary, after a moments hesitation, said
her name was Marsh.
~ know Mrs. Marsh" said Lady Bas-
sstt; but. OF course, that is not your
sister. My Mrs Marsh is rather fair"
$50 is my sister, for that matter
And tail?"
Yes: but you never saw her, You
never forget her IL you had. She has got
eyes like lion.
"Ahl does she rider"
'"Oh. she is famous for that: and driv-
ing and all
Indeed! But no: I see no resem-
blance."
f"Oh she is only my half-sister."
This is very strange.
Lady Bassett put her hand TO her brow,
and thought
Mary" said she. "all that Is very mys-
terous We are wading in deep waters.
Mary Wells had no idea what she
meant.
The day was not yet over. Just be-
fore dinner time a fly from the station
drove 10 the door and Mr.. Oldfeld got
out.
He was detained in the hall by sentinel
Moss
Lady Bassett came down TO him. At