Mrs. Bassett
broke it, with some hesitation. "I hope, Lady Bassett, your present
illness is not in any way--I hope you do not fear anything more from my
husband?"
"Oh, Mrs. Bassett! how can I help fearing it--especially if we provoke
him? Mr. Reginald Bassett has returned, and you know he once gave your
husband cause for just resentment."
"Well, but he is older now, and has more sense. Even if he should,
Ruperta and I must try and keep the peace."
"Ruperta! I wish I had asked you to bring her with you. But I feared to
ask too much at once."
"I'll send her to you to-morrow, Lady Bassett."
"No, bring her."
"Then tell me your hour."
"Yes, and I will send somebody out of the way. I want you both to
myself."
While this conversation was going on at Huntercombe, Richard Bassett,
being left alone with his daughter, proceeded to work with his usual
skill upon her young mind.
He reminded her of Mr. Rutland's prospects, and said he hoped to see
her a countess, and the loveliest jewel of the Peerage.
He then told her Mr. Rutland was coming to stay a day or two next week,
and requested her to receive him graciously.
She promised that at once.
"That," said he, "will be a much better match for you than the younger
son of Sir Charles Bassett.
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