What can they say?
They never see him, and never shall while I am here." This reminded Lady Bassett that Mary's time was up.

The idea of a stranger taking her place, and seeing Sir Charles in his present condition, was horrible to her.

"Oh, Mary," said she, piteously, "surely you will not leave me just now ?" "Do you wish me to stay, my lady ?" "Can you ask it?
How can I hope to find such devotion as yours, such fidelity, and, above all, such secrecy?
Ah, Mary, I am the most unhappy lady in all England this day." Then she began to cry bitterly, and Mary Wells cried with her, and said she would stay as long as she could; "but," said she, "I gave you good advice, my lady, and so you will find." Lady Bassett made no answer whatever, and that disappointed Mary, for she wanted a discussion.
The days rolled on, and brought no change for the better.

Sir Charles continued to brood on his one misfortune.

He refused to go out-of-doors, even into the garden, giving as his reason that he was not fit to be seen.