The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-11-07
(Continued.l


explanation. Ruperta only blushed. and
looked uncomfortable. She hated all al
fusion to the feats of her childhood.
Mrs. Bassstt saw Lady Bassettsi look
OF perplexity, and said eagerly. You
never missed it7 All the better. thought
would keep II. for a peace-maker party"
my dear friend" said Lady Bassett.
you are speaking In riddles to me: what
tippetr'
THE tippet your son took or his shoul-
ders and put Il around my girl that ter
rible night they were lost in the wood.
Forgive me keeping II. Lady Bassett-I
know l was little better than thief;
but It was only a uppet TO you, and TO
me II was much more. Ali Lady Bas-
sett, have loved your darling boy ever
since; you can't wonder, you are a moth
or: and" turning suddenly on Ruperta.
why do you keep saying he Is only
boy. II he was man enough to do that
al seven years OF age, he must nave
manly heart. No; / couldn't bear the
slght of any other son-in-law; and. when
you are mother. you'll understand many
things; and, for one. you'll-under-under-
stand-why I'm so-fool -isn; seeing the
boys mother ready--to cry-too-oh! oh!
OH"
Lady Bassett held out her arms TO her.
and the mothers had a sweet cry together
IN each others arms.
Ruperta's eyes were wet at this; but
che told her mother she ought not to
sgitate Lady Bassett and her so Ill.
And that is true. my good, sensible
girl" said Mrs. Bassett; but II has lain
In my heart these nine years and could
not keep II to myself any longer. But
you are a beauty and a spoiled child, and
so / suppose you think nothing OF his
~ Eaa Nxa IN
Don't say that mamma" said Ruperta
reproachfully. II spoke TO dear Comp
ton about It not long ago. He had for
gotten all about Ii even.
"All the more TO his credit; but don't
you ever forget IT, my own girl"
II never will. mamma"
BY degrees the three became so unre-
served that Ruperta was gently urged to
declare her real sentiments
BY this time the young beauty was quite
cured of her fear lest she should be an
unwelcome daughter-in-iaw; but there
was an obstacle In her own mind. She
was frank, courageou girl: but this
appeal tried her hard
She blushed. fixed her eyes steadily
on the ground. and said. pretty frmly
and very slowly; Il had always a great
affection for my cousin Compton; and
so / have now. But / am not In love
with him. He is but a boy. now L."
a
perb smile of beauty and conscious wom-
anhood, completed the sentence.
HE will get older every day." said
Mrs. Bassett
And so shall L."
But you will not look older. and he
will. You have come to your full growth.
lie hasn't"
IT agree with the dear girl" said Lady
Bassett adroitly. Compton. with his fair
hair. looks 80 young II would be ridieu-
lous at present. But IL is possible to be
gagged and walt a proper time for mar
rlage what I fear is, lest you should be
tempted by some other offer. To speak
painiy. I hear that Mr.. Rutland pays his
addresses TO you. and visits at High
more"
Yes he has been there twice"
"IIe is welcome to your father; and his
prospects are dazzling; and he is not
boy for he has long mustaches."
81 am not dazzled by his mustaches.
and still less by his prospects" said the
fair young beauty.
You are an extraordinary girl"
'"rhat she is." said Mrs. Bassett. Her
father has no more power over her than
j have"
"oh. mammal am disobedient girl.
them"
mo, no only in this one thing. / see
you will go your own way"
Lady Bassett put in her word. well.
but this one thing is the happiness or
misery OF her whole life. | cannot blame
her for looking we'll before she leaps"
A grateful look from Ruperta's glorious
eyes repaid the speaker
But" said Lady Bassett tenderly, 1T Is
something to have two mothers when you
marry. instead OF one; and you would
have two, my love; 1 would try and live
for YOU"
This touched Ruperta to the heart she
curled around Lady Bassett's neck. and
they kissed each other like mother and
daughter.
This is too great temptation" said
Ruperta "Yes; / Will engage myself to
Cousin Compton, II papa s consent can be
obtained. without his consent l could
mot marry any one"
: Nobody can obtain Il, IL you cannot"
said Mrs. Bassett.
Ruperta shook her head. Mark my
words mamma IL will take me years TO
gain Il. Papa is as obstinate as a mule.
To be sure am as obstinate as 90.
1T shall not take years, nor yet
months" said Lady Bassett II know
Mr.. Bassett's objection, and / will re-
move It. cost me what IL may"
This speech surprised the other two la
6ies so they made no reply.
Said Lady Bassett firmly. do you
pledge yourself TO me. II can obtain Mr. |
.Bassett's consent7"
'I do" said Ruperta- But"
You think my power with your father |
must be smaller than yours. / hope TO |
show you you are mistaken"
The ladies rose TO go. Lady Bassett |
took leave Of them thus "Good-by, my |
most valued friend, and sister In sorrow; |
good-by. my dear daughter"
At the gate OF Huntercombe whom |
should they meet but Compton Bassett, |
looking very pale and unhappy.
He was upon honor not 10 speak 10 Ru- |
perta; but he gazed on her with a visit
full and terrified look that was very |
touching She gave him a soft plying |
smile In return. that drove him almost /
wild with hope.
That night Richard Bassett sat In his
chair gloomily
When his wife and daughter spoke 10
him In their soft accents he returned |
short surly answers. Evidently a storm
was brewing.
At last IL burst He had heard OF Ru-
IL.