WYLDER'S HAJVD.
231
"I'd like to see him, Dorcas."
"Sit here a little and rest, dear. The Doctor will
make his visit immediately, and then we can ask him.
He's a good-natured creature — poor old Buddle — and I
am certain if it can safely be, he won't prevent it."
"Where is he, darling— where is Stanley?"
So Dorcas described as well as she could.
"Oh, poor Stanley. Oh, Stanley—poor Stanley,"
gasped Rachel, with white lips. "You have no idea,
Dorcas — no one can — how terrific it is. Oh, poor Stan-
ley— poor Stanley."
Drink this water, darling; you must not be so excited."
"Dorcas, say what the Doctor may, see him I must."
"There is time to think of that, darling."
"Has he spoken to any one?"
"Very little, I believe. He whispers a few words now
and then — that is all."
. "Did he wish to see no one?"
"No one, dear."
"Not poor William Wylder?"
"No, dear. I don't suppose he cares more for a cler-
gyman than for any other man; none of his family ever
did, when they came to lie on a bed of sickness, or of
death either."
"No, no," said Rachel, wildly; "I did not mean to
pray. I was not thinking of that; but William Wylder
was different; and he did not mention me either?"
Dorcas shook her head.
"Please, Miss Brandon, the Doctor's down stairs with
Captain Lake," said the maid, opening the door.
"Is Lord Chelford with him?"
"Yes, miss, please."
"Then tell him I will be so obliged if he will come
here for a moment, when the Doctor is gone; and ask the
Doctor now, from me, how he thinks Captain Lake."