She is a hard woman; she is not like you, my lady. I'd liever cut
my hand off than I'd trust her as I would you."
Lady Bassett was not quite insensible to this compliment; but she felt
uneasy.
"What, help you to deceive your sister?"
"For her good. Why, if any one was to 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. Unable 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 as
you can; and then money shall not be wanting to hide your shame from
all the world; but I hope when the time comes you will alter your mind
and tell your sister. May I ask what her name is?"
Mary, after a moment's hesitation, said her name was Marsh.
"I know a Mrs. Marsh," said Lady Bassett; "but, of course, that is not
your sister. My Mrs. Marsh is rather fair."
"So is my sister, for that matter."
"And tall?"
"Yes; but you never saw her. You'd never forget her it you had. She has
got eyes like a lion."
"Ah! Does she ride?"
"Oh, she is famous for that; and driving, and all."
"Indeed! But no; I see no resemblance."
"Oh, she is only my half-sister."
"This is very strange.
Pages:
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233