wylder's mum. 357
"They have come about law business, Dolly?" en-
quired the young lady, who had a profound, instinotive
dread of Mr. Larkin.
"Yes, my dear; a most important windfall. Only for
Mr. Larkin, it never could have been accomplished, and,
indeed, I don't think it would ever have been thought
of."
"I hope he has some one to advise him," said Miss
Lake, anxiously. "I— I think Mr. Larkin a very cun-
ning person; and you know your husband does not under-
stand business."
"But, my dear, he is an excellent man, and such a
friend, and he has managed all this most troublesome
business so delightfully. It is what they call a rever-
sion."
"William Wylder is not selling his reversion?" said
Rachel, fixing a wild and startled look on her companion.
"Yes, reversion, I am sure, is the name. And why
not, dear?' It is most unlikely we should ever get a
farthing of it any other way, and it will give us enough
to make us quite happy."
"But, my darling, don't you know the reversion under
the will is a great fortune. He must not think of it;"
and up started Rachel, and before Dolly could interpose
or remonstrate, she had crossed the little hall, and entered
the homely study, where the gentlemen were conferring.
William Wylder was sitting at his desk, and a large
sheet of law schivenery, on thick paper, with a stamp in
the corner, was before him. The bald head of the attor-
ney, as he leaned over him, and indicated an imaginary
line with his gold pencil-case, was presented toward Miss
Lake as she entered.
The attorney had just said "there, please," in reply to
the Vicar's question, " Where do I write my name?" and