Upon this Mr. Bassett was weaned as quickly as possible, and the widow clothed in black at Lady Bassett's expense, and everything in reason done to pet her and console her. But she cried bitterly, and said she would throw herself into the sea and follow her husband. Huntercombe was nowhere near the coast. At last, however, she relented, and concluded to remain on earth as dry-nurse to Mr. Bassett. Sir Charles did not approve this: it seemed unreasonable to turn a wet-nurse into a dry-nurse when that office was already occupied by a person her senior and more experienced. Lady Bassett agreed with him, but shrugged her shoulders and said, “Two nurses will not hurt, and I suspect it will not be for long. Mary does not feel her husband's loss one bit.” “Surely you are mistaken. She howls loud enough.” “Too loud--much,” said Lady Bassett, dryly. Her perspicuity was not deceived. In a very short time Mr. Meyrick, unable to get her for his housekeeper, offered her marriage. “What!” said she, “and James Gosport not dead a month?” “Say the word now, and take your own time,” said he. “Well, I might do worse,” said she. About six weeks after this Drake came about her, and in tender tones of consolation suggested that it is much better for a pretty girl to marry one who plows the land than one who plows the sea. “That is true,” said Mary, with a sigh; “I have found it to my sorrow.” After this Drake played a bit with her, and then relented, and one evening offered her marriage, expecting her to jump eagerly at his offer. “You be too late, young man,” said she, coolly; “I'm bespoke.” “Doan't ye say that! How can ye be bespoke? Why, t'other hain't been dead four months yet.” “What o' that? This one spoke for me within a week. Why, our banns are to be cried to-morrow; come to church and hear 'em; that will learn ye not to shilly-shally so next time.” “Next time!” cried Drake, half blubbering; then, with a sudden roar, “what, be you coming to market again, arter this?” “Like enough: he is a deal older than I be. 'Tis Mr. Meyrick, if ye must know.” Now Mr. Meyrick was well-to-do, and so Drake was taken aback. “Mr. Meyrick!” said he, and turned suddenly respectful. But presently a view of a rich widow flitted before his eye. “Well,” said he, “you shan't throw it in my teeth again as I speak too late. I ask you now, and no time lost.” “What! am I to stop my banns, and jilt Farmer Meyrick for _thee?”_ “Nay, nay. But I mean I'll marry you, if you'll marry me, as soon as ever the breath is out of that dall'd old hunks's body.” “Well, well, Will Drake,” said Mary, gravely, “if I do outlive this one--and you bain't married long afore--and if you keeps in the same mind as you be now--and lets me know it in good time--I'll see about it.”