The waiting-woman had received a
commission of importance from Lady Angleby (nothing less than to find
out how much or how little Miss Fairfax knew of Miss Julia Gardiner's
past and present circumstances), and accident favored her execution of
it. A cheerful fire blazed on the hearth in Bessie's room; by the hearth
was drawn up the couch, and a newspaper lay on the couch. Naturally,
Bessie's first act was to take it up, and when she saw that it was a
_Hampton Chronicle_ she exclaimed with pleasure, and asked did Mrs.
Betts receive it regularly from her friends?--if so, she should like to
read it, for the sake of knowing what went on in the Forest.
"No, miss, it only comes a time by chance: that came by this afternoon's
post. I have barely glanced through it. I expect it was sent by my
cousin to let me know the fine wedding that is on the _tapis_ at
Ryde--Mr. Brotherton, her master, and Miss Julia Gardiner."
"Miss Julia Gardiner!" exclaimed Bessie in a low, astonished voice.
Mrs. Betts, with an indifference that a more cunning young lady than
hers would have felt to be carefully prepared, proceeded with her
information: "Yes, miss; you met the lady, I think? The gentleman is
many years older, but a worthy gentleman. And she is a most sweet lady,
which, where there is children to begin with, is much to be considered.
She has no fortune, but there is oceans of money on his side--oceans."
Bessie did not jump to the conclusion that it was therefore a mercenary
marriage, as she had done in another case.
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