He has all my
sympathy, and, if he is not quite indifferent to you, let me just put
in my word, and say there is not a young lady in the world I could bear
for my daughter-in-law, now I have seen and talked with you, my dear."
"Thank you, Lady Bassett," said Mrs. Bassett; "and, since you have said
so much, let me speak my mind. So long as your son is attached to my
daughter, I could never welcome any other son-in-law. I HAVE GOT THE
TIPPET."
Lady Bassett looked at Ruperta, for an explanation. Ruperta only
blushed, and looked uncomfortable. She hated all allusion to the feats
of her childhood.
Mrs. Bassett saw Lady Bassett's look of perplexity, and said, eagerly,
"You never missed it? All the better. I thought I would keep it, for a
peacemaker partly."
"My dear friend," said Lady Bassett, "you are speaking riddles to me;
what tippet?"
"The tippet your son took off his own shoulders, and put it round my
girl, that terrible night they were lost in the wood. Forgive me
keeping it, Lady Bassett--I know I was little better than a thief; but
it was only a tippet to you, and to me it was much more. Ah! Lady
Bassett, I have loved your darling boy ever since; you can't wonder,
you are a mother;" and, turning suddenly on Ruperta, "why do you keep
saying he is only a boy? If he was man enough to do that at seven years
of age, he must have a manly heart.
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