You see, my lady, some men are like children; to
make them happy you must give them their own way; and so, if I was in
your place, I wouldn't make two bites of a cherry, for sometimes I
think he will fret himself out of the world for want on't."
"Heaven forbid!"
"It is my belief you would not be long behind him."
"No, Mary. Why should I?"
"Then--whisper, my lady!"
And, although Lady Bassett drew slightly back at this freedom, Mary
Wells poured into her ear a proposal that made her stare and shiver.
As for the girl's own face, it was as unmoved as if it had been bronze.
Lady Bassett drew back, and eyed her askant with amazement and terror.
"What is this you have dared to say?"
"Why, it is done every day."
"By people of your class, perhaps. No; I don't believe it. Mary, I have
been mistaken in you. I am afraid you are a vicious girl. Leave me,
please. I can't bear the sight of you."
Mary went away, very red, and the tear in her eye.
In the evening Lady Bassett gave Mary Wells a month's warning, and Mary
accepted it doggedly, and thought herself very cruelly used.
After this mistress and maid did not exchange an unnecessary word for
many days.
This notice to leave was very bitter to Mary Wells, for she was in the
very act of making a conquest.
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