Part 42 (1/2)

Lady Ba.s.sett sat and heard the bell toll.

Strange, sad thoughts pa.s.sed through her mind. ”Is it saddest when it tolls, or when it rings--that bell? He has killed his own child by robbing me of my husband. We are in the hands of G.o.d, after all, let Wheeler be ever so cunning, and Oldfield ever so simple.--And I am not acting by that.--Where is my trust in G.o.d's justice?--Oh, thou of little faith!--What shall I do? Love is stronger in me than faith--stronger than anything in heaven or earth. G.o.d forgive me--G.o.d help me--I will go back.

”But oh, to stand still, and be good and simple, and to see my husband trampled on by a cunning villain!

”Why is there a future state, where everything is to be different? no hate; no injustice; all love. Why is it not all of a piece? Why begin wrong if it is to end all right? If I was omnipotent it should be right from the first.--Oh, thou of little faith!--Ah, me! it is hard to see fools and devils, and realize angels unseen. Oh, that I could shut my eyes in faith and go to sleep, and drift on the right path; for I shall never take it with my eyes open, and my heart bleeding for him.”

Then her head fell languidly back, her eyes closed, and the tears welled through them: they knew the way by this time.

CHAPTER XXII.

NEXT morning in came Mr. Angelo, with glowing cheeks and sparkling eyes.

”I have got a letter, a most gratifying one. My friend called on Mr.

Rolfe, and gave him my lines; and he replies direct to me. May I read you his letter?”

”Oh, yes.”

”'DEAR SIR--The case you have sent me, of a gentleman confined on certificates by order of an interested relative--as you presume, for you have not seen the order--and on grounds you think insufficient, is interesting, and some of it looks true; but there are gaps in the statement, and I dare not advise in so nice a matter till these are filled; but that, I suspect, can only be done by the lady herself. She had better call on me in person; it may be worth her while. At home every day, 10--3, this week. As for yourself, you need not address me through Greatrex. I have seen you pull No. 6, and afterward stroke in the University boat, and you dived in Portsmouth Harbor, and saved a sailor. See ”Ryde Journal,” Aug. 10, p. 4, col. 3; cited in my Day-book Aug. 10, and also in my Index hominum, in voce ”Angelo”--_ha! ha!

here's a fellow for detail!_

”Yours very truly,

”'ROLFE.'”

”And did you?”

”Did I what?”

”Dive and save a sailor.”

”No; I nailed him just as he was sinking.”

”How good and brave you are!”

Angelo blushed like a girl. ”It makes me too happy to hear such words from you. But I vote we don't talk about me. Will you call on Mr.

Rolfe?”

”Is he married?”

Angelo opened his eyes at the question. ”I think not,” said he.

”Indeed, I know he is not.”

”Could you get him down here?”

Angelo shook his head. ”If he knew you, perhaps; but can you expect him to come here upon your business? These popular writers are spoiled by the ladies. I doubt if he would walk across the street to advise a stranger. Candidly, why should he?”