She insisted on
nursing him herself; and the experienced persons who attended her
raised no objection.
In connection with this she gave Sir Charles a peck, not very severe,
but sudden, and remarkable as the only one on record.
He was contemplating her and her nursling with the deepest affection,
and happened to say, "My own Bella, what delight it gives me to see
you!"
"Yes," said she, "we will have only one mother this time, will we, my
darling? and it shall be Me." Then suddenly, turning her head like a
snake, "Oh, I saw the looks you gave that woman!"
This was the famous peck; administered in return for a look that he had
bestowed on Mary Gosport not more than five years ago.
Sir Charles would, doubtless, have bled to death on the spot, but
either he had never been aware how he looked, or time and business had
obliterated the impression, for he was unaffectedly puzzled, and said,
"What woman do you mean, dear?"
"No matter, darling," said Lady Bassett, who had already repented her
dire severity: "all I say is that a nurse is a rival I could not endure
now; and another thing, I do believe those wet-nurses give their
disposition to the child: it is dreadful to think of."
"Well, if so, baby is safe. He will be the most amiable boy in
England.
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