Meantime, however, meek little Mrs.
Bassett was no match for the beauty and low cunning of her rival.
Yet a time came when she defended herself unconsciously.

She did something that made her husband most solicitous for her welfare and happiness.

He began to watch her health with maternal care, to shield her from draughts, to take care of her diet, to indulge her in all her whims instead of snubbing her, and to pet her, till she was the happiest wife in England for a time.

She deserved this at his hands, for she assisted him there where his heart was fixed; she aided his hobby; did more for it than any other creature in England could.
To return to Huntercombe Hall: the loving couple that owned it were no longer happy.

The hope of offspring was now deserting them, and the disappointment was cruel.