WYLDER'S HAJVD. 359
said the attorney, and speaking a little huskily and hur-
rieply; "I quite conceive by whom."
"I don't know what you mean, sir," replied Miss Lake,
with grave disdain.
"I think it is pretty obvious, ma'am — Miss Lake, I
beg pardon — you have had some conversation with your
brother," answered the attorney, with a significant sneer.
"I don't know what you mean, sir, I repeat. I've just
heard, in the other room, from your wife, William Wyl-
der, that you were about selling your reversion in the es-
tates, and I want to know whether that is so; for if it be,
it is the act of a madman, and I'll prevent it, if I possi-
bly can."
"Upon my word! possibly " — said the Vicar his eyes
very wide open, and looking with a hesitating gaze from
Rachel to the attorney — " there may be something in it
which neither you nor I know; does it not strike you —
had we not better consider?"
"Consider what, sir?" said the attorney, with a snap,
and losing his temper somewhat. "It is simply, sir, that
this young lady represents Captain Lake, who wishes to
get the reversion for himself."
"That is utterly false, sir!" said Miss Lake, flashing
and blushing with indignation. "You, William, are a
gentleman and such inconceivable meanness cannot enter
your mind."
The attorney, with what he meant to be a polished sar-
casm, bowed and smiled toward Miss Lake.
'' My dear Miss Lake, you quite mistake, I am persua-
ded, my good friend Mr. Larkin; and, indeed, I don't
quite comprehend; but if it were so, and that your broth-
er really wished — do you think he does, Mr. Larkin ? —
to buy the reversion, he might think it more valuable,
perhaps."
"I can say with certainty, sir, that from that quarter