She requested Mary to go and tell Sir Charles;
but she did not lift her head, even to give this order.
Mary crept away, and knocked at Sir Charles's dressing-room.
"Come in," said Sir Charles, thinking, of course, it was his valet.
Mary Wells just opened the door and held it ajar. "My lady bids me tell
you, sir, the bells are ringing for Mr. Bassett; he's married, and
brings her home tonight."
A dead silence marked the effect of this announcement on Sir Charles.
Mary Wells waited.
"May Heaven's curse light on that marriage, and no child of theirs ever
take my place in this house!"
"A-a-men!" said Mary Wells.
"Thank you, sir!" said Sir Charles. He took her voice for a man's, so
deep and guttural was her "A--a--men" with concentrated passion.
She closed the door and crept back to her mistress.
Lady Bassett was seated at her glass, with her hair down and her
shoulders bare. Mary clinched her teeth, and set about her usual work;
but very soon Lady Bassett gave a start, and stared into the glass.
"Mary!" said she, "what _is_ the matter? You look ghastly, and your
hands are as cold as ice. Are you faint?"
"No."
"Then you are ill; very ill."
"I have taken a chill," said Mary, doggedly.
"Go instantly to the still-room maid, and get a large glass of spirits
and hot water--quite hot.
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