13& WYLDER'S HAJVD. Dorcas' large eyes rested upon her -with a grave enquiry, and then Miss Brandon looked down in silence for a while on the carpet, and was thinking a little sternly, maybe, and with a look of pain, still holding Rachel's hand, she said, with a sad sort of reproach in her tone, "Rachel, dear, you have not told my secret?" "No, indeed, Dorcas — never, and never will; and I think, though I have learned to fear death, I would rather die than let Stanley even suspect it." She spoke with a sudden energy, which partook of fear and passion, and flushed her thin cheek, and made her languid eyes flash. "Thank you, Rachel, my cousin Rachel, my only friend. I ought not to have doubted you," and she kissed her again. "Chelford had a note from Mr. Wylder this morning — another note — his coming delayed, and some- thing of his having to see some person who is abroad," continued Dorcas, after a little pause. "You have heard, of course, of Mr. Wylder's absence?" "Yes, something—everything," said Rachel, hurriedly, looking frowningly at a flower which she was twirling in her fingers. "He chose an unlucky moment for his departure. I meant to speak to him and end all between us; and I would now write, but there is no address to his letters. I think Lady Chelford and her son begin to think there is more in this oddly-timed journey of Mr. Wylder's than first appeared. When I came into the parlor this morning I knew they were speaking of it If he does not return in a day or two, Chelford, I am sure, will speak to me, and then I shall tell him my resolution." "Yes," said Rachel. "I don't understand his absence. I think they are puzzled, too. Can you conjecture why he is gone?"