No; I couldn't bear the sight of
any other son-in-law; and when you are a mother you'll understand many
things, and, for one, you'll--under--stand--why I'm so--fool--ish;
seeing the sweet boy's mother ready--to cry--too--oh! oh! oh!"
Lady Bassett held out her arms to her, and the mothers had a sweet cry
together in each other's arms.
Ruperta's eyes were wet at this; but she told her mother she ought not
to agitate Lady Bassett, and she so ill.
"And that is true, my good, sensible girl," said Mrs. Bassett; "but it
has lain in my heart these nine years, and I could not keep it to
myself any longer. But you are a beauty and a spoiled child, and so I
suppose you think nothing of his giving you his tippet to keep you
warm."
"Don't say that, mamma," said Ruperta, reproachfully. "I spoke to dear
Compton about it not long ago. He had forgotten all about it, even."
"All the more to his credit; but don't you ever forget it, my own
girl."
"I never will, mamma."
By degrees the three became so unreserved that Ruperta was gently urged
to declare her real sentiments.
By this time the young beauty was quite cured of her fear lest she
should be an unwelcome daughter-in-law; but there was an obstacle in
her own mind. She was a frank, courageous girl; but this appeal tried
her hard.
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