However, my girl is too proud to go into a
family where she is not welcome."
"Much too proud for that," said Ruperta.
He left her smarting under that suggestion.
While he was smoking his cigar in the garden, Mrs. Bassett came home.
She was in raptures with Lady Bassett, and told her daughter all that
had passed; and, in conclusion, that she had promised Lady Bassett to
take her to Huntercombe to-morrow.
"Me, dear!" cried Ruperta; "why, what can she want of me?"
"All I know is, her ladyship wishes very much to see you. In my
opinion, you will be _very_ welcome to poor Lady Bassett."
"Is she very ill?"
Mrs. Bassett shook her head. "She is much changed. She says she should
be better if we were all at peace; but I don't know."
"Oh, mamma, I wish it was to-morrow."
They went to Huntercombe next day; and, ill as she was, Lady Bassett
received them charmingly. She was startled by Ruperta's beauty and
womanly appearance, but too well bred to show it, or say it all in a
moment. She spoke to the mother first; but presently took occasion to
turn to the daughter, and to say, "May I hope, Miss Bassett, that you
are on the side of peace, like your dear mother and myself?"
"I am," said Ruperta, firmly; "I always was--especially after that
beautiful sermon, you know, mamma.
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