WYLDER'S HAJVD. 313 sailed both him and his sister, whom heretofore she had petted and distinguished, with a fury that was startling. As respects Rachel, we know how unjust was the attack. And when the dowager opened her fire on Rachel, the young lady replied with a spirit and dignity to which she was not at all accustomed. So soon as Dorcas obtained a hearing, which was not for some time — for she, "as a miserable and ridiculous victim and idiot," was nearly as deep in disgrace as those "shameless harpies the Lakes "—she told the whole truth as respected all parties with her superb and tranquil frankness. Lady Chelford ordered her horses, and was about to leave Brandon next morning. But rheumatism arrested her indignant flight; and during her week's confinement to her room, her son contrived so that she consented to stay for " the odious ceremony," and was even sourly civil to Miss Lake, who received her advances quite as coldly as they were made. To Miss Lake, Lord Chelford, though not in set terms, yet in many pleasanter ways, apologised for his mother's impertinence. Dorcas had told him also the story of Rachel's decided opposition to the marriage. He was so particularly respectful to her — he showed her by the very form into which he shaped his good wishes that he knew how frankly she had opposed the marriage — how true she had been to her friend Dorcas — and she understood him and was grateful. In fact, Lord Chelford, whatever might be his opinion of the motives of Captain Lake and the prudence of Dor- cas, was clearly disposed to make the best of the inevita- ble, and to stamp the new Brandon alliance with whatever respectability his frank recognition could give it. Old Lady Chelford's bitter and ominous acquiescenoe 14