346
WYLDER'S HAJfD.
'-' I've the greatest possible objection to raising money
in that way. It is in fact the first step towards ruin;
and nobody has ever done it who has not regretted that he
did not sell instead."
"I won't sell Five Oaks, Stanley." said the young lady,
seriously.
"I only said a part," replied Stanley.
"I tell you, Stanley, plainly, I will not sell at all.
The Brandon estate shall not be diminished in my time."
"Why, don't you perceive you impair the estate as
much by mortgaging as by selling, with ten times the ul-
timate danger. I tell you /won't mortgage, and you
shall sell."
"Stanley, I tell you plainly once more, I never will
consent to sell one acre of the Brandon estates."
"Then we'll see what I can do without you, Dorkie,"
he said, in a pleasant, musing way.
He was now looking down, with his sly, malign smile
and Dorcas could almost fancy two yellow lights reflected
upon the floor.
"I shall protect the property of my family, sir, from
your folly or your machinations; and I shall write to
Chelford, as my trustee, to come here to advise me."
"And I snap my fingers at you both, and meet you
with defiance;" and Stanley's singular eyes glared upon
her for a few seconds."
Dorcas turned in her grand way, and walked slowly to-
wards the door.
"Stay a moment, I'm going," said Stanley, overtaking
and confronting her near the door. "I've only one word.
I don't think you quite know me. It will be an evil day
for you, Dorkie, when you quarrel with me."
He looked steadily on her, smiling for a second or two
more, and then glided from the conservatory.
*