342
WYLDER'S HJVVD.
From the high glass doorway, communicating with the
drawing-rooms, at the far end, over the encaustic tiles, and
through this atmosphere of perfume, did Captain Stanley
Lake; in his shooting coat, glide, smiling, towards his beau-
tiful young wife.
She heard the door close, and looking half over her
shoulder in a low tone indicating surprise, she merely
said:
"Oh!" receiving him with a proud, sad look.
"Yes, Dorkie, I'm here at last. I've been for some
weeks so insufferably busy," and he laid his white hand
lightly over his eyes, as if they and the brain within were
alike weary. "How charming this place is — the temple
of Flora, and you the divinity ;"
And he kissed her cheek.
"I'm now emancipated for, I hope, a week or two. I've
been shut up so in the library, and keeping such tiresome
company — you've no idea; but I think you'll say it was
time well spent, at least I'm sure you'll approve the re-
sult; and now that I have collected the facts, and can
show you, darling, exactly what the chances are, you must
consent to hear the long story, and when you have heard,
give me your advice."
Dorcas smiled, and only plucked a little flowery ten-
dril from a plant that hung in a natural festoon above
hei.
"I assure you, darling, lam serious; you must not
look so incredulous; tnd it is the more provoking, because
I love you so. I think I have a right to your advice,
Dorkie."
"Why don't you ask Rachel, she's cleverer than I and
you are more in the habit of consulting her?"
"Now Dorkie is going to talk her wicked nonsense
over again, as if I had never answered it. What about