WYLDER'S HAJVD. 215
demeanor, and wondered, after all, whether Dorcas was
beginning to like Sir Harry Bracton.
Twice, for a moment, their eyes met; but only for a
moment. Rachel knew that a tragedy might be — at that
instant, and under the influence of that very spectacle —
gathering its thunders silently in another part of the room,
where she saw Stanley's pale, peculiar face; and although
he appeared in nowise occupied by what was passing be-
tween. Dorcas Brandon and Sir Harry, she well knew that
nothing of it escaped him.
The sight of that pale face was a cold pang at her heart
— a face prophetic of evil, at sight of which the dark
curtain which hid futurity seemed to sway and tremble, as
if a hand from behind was on the point of drawing it.
Rachel sighed profoundly, and her eyes looked sadly
through her bouquet on the floor.
"I'm very glad you come, Radie," said a sweet voice,
which somehow made her shiver, close to her ear. "This
kind of thing will do you good; and you really wanted a
little fillip. Shall I take you to the supper-room?"
"No, Stanley, thank you; I prefer remaining."
"Have you observed how Dorcas has treated me this
evening?"
"No, Stanley; nothing unusual is there?" answered
Rachel, glancing uneasily round, lest they should be over-
heard.
"Well, I think she has been more than usually repul-
sive— quite marked; I almost fancy these Gylingden
people, dull as they are, must observe it. I have a notion
I shan't trouble Gylingden or her after to-morrow."
Rachel glanced quickly at him. He was deadly pale;
and he returned her glance for a second wildly, and then
dropped his eyes to the ground.
"I told you " he resumed again, after a short pause,.