"
Lady Bassett colored high, and was silenced for a moment. At last she
said, "I feel it must seem harsh to you. You don't know how wicked it
was to tempt me. But it is not as if you had _done_ anything wrong. I
do not feel bound to mention mere words: I shall give you an excellent
character, Mary--indeed I _have._ I think I have got a good place for
you. I shall know to-morrow, and when it is settled we will look over
my wardrobe together."
This proposal implied a boxful of presents, and would have made Mary's
dark eyes flash with delight at another time; but she was past all that
now. She interrupted Lady Bassett with this strange speech: "You are
very kind, my lady; will you lend me the key of your medicine chest?"
Lady Bassett looked surprised, but said, "Certainly, Mary," and held
out the keys.
But, before Mary could take them, she considered a moment, and asked
her what medicine she required.
"Only a little laudanum."
"No, Mary; not while you look like that, and refuse to tell me your
trouble. I am your mistress, and must exert my authority for your good.
Tell me at once what is the matter."
"I'd bite my tongue off sooner."
"You are wrong, Mary. I am sure I should be your best friend. I feel
much indebted to you for the attention and the affection you have shown
me, and I am grieved to see you so despondent.
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