"
"He must be very sensitive."
"On that subject."
Mr. Rolfe was silent; and now, for the first time, appeared to think
intently.
His study bore fruit, apparently; for he turned to Lady Bassett and
said, suddenly, "What is the strangest thing Sir Charles has said of
late--the very strangest?"
Lady Bassett turned red, and then pale, and made no reply.
Mr. Rolfe rose and walked up to Mary Wells.
"What is the maddest thing your master has ever said?"
Mary Wells, instead of replying, looked at her mistress.
The writer instantly put his great body between them. "Come, none of
that," said he. "I don't want a falsehood--I want the truth."
"La, sir, I don't know. My master he is not mad, I'm sure. The queerest
thing he ever said was--he did say at one time 'twas writ on his face
as he had no children."
"Ah! And that is why he would not go abroad, perhaps."
"That was one reason, sir, I do suppose." Mr. Rolfe put his hands
behind his back and walked thoughtfully and rather disconsolately back
to his seat.
"Humph!" said he. Then, after a pause, "Well, well; I know the worst
now; that is one comfort. Lady Bassett, you really must be candid with
me. Consider: good advice is like a tight glove; it fits the
circumstances, and it does not fit other circumstances.
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