Mrs. Bassett put on her bonnet, and went to Huntercombe Hall.
After a very short delay she was ushered upstairs, to the room where
Lady Bassett was lying on a sofa.
Lady Bassett heard her coming, and rose to receive her.
She made Mrs. Bassett a court courtesy so graceful and profound that it
rather frightened the little woman. Seeing which, Lady Bassett changed
her style, and came forward, extending both hands with admirable grace,
and gentle amity, not overdone.
Mrs. Bassett gave her both hands, and they looked full at each other in
silence, till the eyes of both ladies began to fill.
"You would have come--like this--years ago--at a word?" faltered Lady
Bassett.
"Yes," gulped Mrs. Bassett.
Then there was another long pause.
"Oh, Lady Bassett, what a life! It is a wonder it has not killed us
both."
"It will kill one of us."
"Not if I can help it."
"God bless you for saying so! Dear madam, sit by me, and let me hold
the hand I might have had years ago, if I had had the courage."
"Why should you take the blame?" said Mrs. Bassett. "We have both been
good wives: too obedient, perhaps. But to have to choose between a
husband's commands and God's law, that is a terrible thing for any poor
woman."
"It is, indeed."
Then there was another silence, and an awkward pause.
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