WYLDER'S HAJVD.
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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