But when she came to reflect that, after all, this was not a lady, and that she appeared by her own account to be the victim of affection and frailty rather than of vice, she made some excuses; and then the girl had laid aside her trouble, her despair, and given her sorrowful mind to nursing 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 detained in the hall by sentinel Moss. Lady Bassett came down to him. At the very sight of him she trembled, and said, “Richard Bassett?”