g and comforting Sir Charles. This would have outweighed a
crime, and it made the wife's bowels yearn over the unfortunate girl.
"Mary," said she, "others must judge you; I am a wife, and can only see
your fidelity to my poor husband. I don't know what I shall do without
you, but I think it is my duty to send you to him if possible. You are
sure he really loves you?"

"Me cross the seas after a young man?" said Mary Wells. "I'd as lieve
hang myself on the nighest tree and make an end. No, my lady, if you
are really my friend, let me stay here as long as I can--I will never
go downstairs to be seen--and then give me money enough to get my
trouble over unbeknown to my sister; she is all my fear. She is married
to a gentleman, and got plenty of money, and I shall never want while
she lives, and behave myself; but she would never forgive me if she
knew. She is a hard woman; she is not like you, my lady. I'd liever cut
my hand off than I'd trust her as I would you."

Lady Bassett was not quite insensible to this compliment; but she felt
uneasy.

"What, help you to deceive your sister?"

"For her good. Why, if any one was to go and tell her about me now,
she'd hate them for telling her almost as much as she would hate me."

Lady Bassett was sore perplexed. Unable to see quite clear in the
matter, she naturally reverted to her husband and his interest. That
dictated her course. She said, "Well, stay with us, Mary, as long as
you can; and then money shall not be wanting to hide your shame from
all the world; but I hope when the time comes you will alter your mind
and tell your sister. May I ask what her name is?"

Mary, after a moment's hesitation, said her name was Marsh.

"I know a Mrs. Marsh," said Lady Bassett; "but, of course, that is not
your sister. My Mrs. Marsh is rather fair."

"So is my sister, for that matter."

"And tall?"

"Yes; but you never saw her. You'd never forget her it you had. She has
got eyes like a lion."

"Ah! Does she ride?"

"Oh, she is famous for that; and driving, and all."

"Indeed! But no; I see no resemblance."

"Oh, she is only my half-sister."

"This is very strange."

Lady Bassett put her hand to her brow, and thought.

"Mary," said she, "all this is very mysterious. We are wading in deep
waters."

Mary Wells had no idea what she meant.

The day was not over yet. Just before dinner-time a fly from the
station drove to the door, and Mr. Oldfield got out.

He was deta