“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.”