332
WYLDER'S HAJVD.
So that was arranged; and again in the illusive sense
of deliverance, the poor Vicar's hopes brightened and ex-
panded.
CHAPTER LIV.
THE CAPTAIN AND THE ATTORNEY CONVERSE AMONG
THE TOMBS.
I cannot tell whether that slender, silken machinator,
Captain Lake, loitered in the chapel for the purpose of
talking to or avoiding Jos Larkin, who was standing at
the doorway, in sad but gracious converse with the Vicar.
He was certainly observing him from among the tombs
in his sly way. And the attorney, who had a way, like
him, of noting things without appearing to see them, was
conscious of it, and was perhaps decided by this trifle to ac-
cost the gallant Captain.
So he glided up the short aisle with a sad religious
smile, suited to the place, and inclined his lank back and
his tall bald head toward the Captain in ceremonious
greeting, as he approached.
"Beautiful chapel this, Captain Lake — beautiful chap-
el, sir," said the attorney. But though his accents were
engaging and he smiled — of course, a Sabbath-day smile
— yet Captain Lake perceived that it was not the dove's
but the rat's eyes that were doing duty under that tall
bald brow.
"Solemn thoughts, sir — solemn thoughts, Captain
Lake — silent mentors, eloquent monitors!" And he
waved his long lank hand toward the monumental groups.
"Yes," said Lake, in the same mocking tone, that wao