216
WYLDER'S HAJVJ3.
and commencing with a gentle laugh, that she liked that
fellow, Bracton."
"You did say something, I think, of that, some time
since," said Rachel; "but really "—
"But really, Radie, dear, you can't need any confir-
mation more than this evening affords. We both know Dor-
cas very well; she is not like other girls. She does not
encourage fellows as they do; but if she did not like Brac-
ton very ,well, indeed, she would send him about hia
business. She has danced with him twice, on the contrary,
and has suffered his agreeable conversation all the even-
ing; and that from Dorcas Brandon means, you know,
everything."
"I don't know that it means anything. I don't see
why it should; but I am very certain, Stanley, that if
this supposed preference leads you to abandon your wild
pursuit of Dorcas, it will prevent more ruin than, perhaps,
either of us anticipates; and, Stanley," she added in a
whisper, looking full in his eyes, which were raised for a
moment to hers, " it is hardly credible that you dare still
to persist in so desperate and cruel a project."
"Thank you," said Stanley quietly, but the yellow
lights glared fiercely from their sockets, and were then
lowered instantly to the floor.
"She has been very rude to me to-night; and you have
not been, or tried to be, of any earthly use to me; and I
will take a decided course. I perfectly know what I'm
about. You don't seem to be dancing, /have not either;
we have both got something more serious, I fancy, to think
of"
And Stanley Lake glided slowly away, and was lost in
the crowd. He went into the supper-room, and had a
glass of seltzer water and sherry. He loitered at the
table. His ruminations were dreary, I fancy, and his