340
WYLDER'S HAJVD.
and execute no agreement, deed, or other instrument what-
soever, in any wise affecting the same, without the consent
in writing of the said Dorcas Brandon; and a second cov-
enant binding him and the trustees of the settlement against
executing any deed, &c. without a similar consent; and
specially directing, that in the event of alienating the
estate, the said Dorcas must be made an assenting party to
the deed.
He folded the deed, and replaced it in his pocket with
a peaceful smile and closed eyes, murmuring —
"I'm much mistaken if the grey mare's the better
horse in that stud."
He laughed gently, thinking of the Captain's formida-
ble and unscrupulous nature, exhibitions of which he
could not fail to remember.
"No, no, Miss Dorkie won't give us much trouble."
He used to call her "Miss Dorkie," playfully, to his
clerks. It gave him consideration, he fancied. And now
with this Five Oaks to begin with — 1,400/. a year —a
great capability, immensely improvable, he would stake
half he's worth on making it more than 2,000/. within
five years; and with other things at his back, an able man
like him might before long look as high as she. And
visions of the grand jury rose dim and splendid — an
heiress, and a seat for the county; perhaps he and Lake
might go in together, though he'd rather be associated
with the Hon. James Cluttworth, or young Lord Griddle-
stone. Lake, you see, wanted weight, and, notwithstand-
ing his connections, was a new man in the county.
Jos Larkin had also the Vicar's business and reversion
to attend to. The Rev. William Wylder had a letter
containing three lines from him at eight o'clock, to which
he sent an answer; whereupon the solicitor despatched a
special messenger to Dollington, with a letter to the