ble character. Nor did she make any secret
that she had money in both pockets; indeed, she flaunted some notes
before the groom, and told him none but her lady knew all she had done
for Sir Charles. "But," said she, "he is grateful, you see, and so is
she."

She went off in the train, as gay as a lark; but she was no sooner out
of sight than her face changed its whole expression, and she went up to
London very grave and thoughtful.

The traveling carriage was ordered at ten o'clock next day, and packed
as for a journey.

Lady Bassett took her housekeeper with her to the asylum.

She had an interview with Sir Charles, and told him what Mr. Bassett
had done, and the construction Mary Wells had put on it.

Sir Charles turned pale with rage, and said he could no longer play the
patient game. He must bribe a keeper, make his escape, and kill that
villain.

Lady Bassett was alarmed, and calmed it down.

"It was only a servant's construction, and she might be wrong; but it
frightened me terribly; and I fear it is the beginning of a series of
annoyances and encroachments; and I have lost Mr. Angelo; he has gone
to Italy. Even Mary Wells left me this morning to be married. I think I
know a way to turn all this against Mr. Bassett; but I will not say it,
because I want to hear what you advise, dearest."

Sir Charles did not leave her long in doubt. He said, "There is but one
way; you must leave Huntercombe, and put yourself out of that
miscreant's way until our child is born."

"That would not grieve me," said Lady Bassett. "The place is odious to
me, now you are not there. But what would censorious people say?"

"What could they say, except that you obeyed your husband?"

"Is it a command, then, dearest?"

"It is a command; and, although you are free, and I am a
prisoner--although you are still an ornament to society, and I pass for
an outcast, still I expect you to obey me when I assume a husband's
authority. I have not taken the command of you quite so much as you
used to say I must; but on this occasion I do. You will leave
Huntercombe, and avoid that caitiff until our child is born."

"That ends all discussion," said Lady Bassett. "Oh, Charles, my only
regret is that it costs me nothing to obey you. But when did it ever?
My king!"

He had ordered her to do the very thing she wished to do.

She now gave her housekeeper minute instructions, settled the board
wages of the whole establishment, and sent her hom