360
WYLDER'S BA.YD.
you would get nothing like what you have agreed to
to take; and I must say, once for all, sir, that — your
letters amount to an equitable agreement to sell, which,
on petition, the court would compel you to do."
"So you see, my dear Miss Lake, there is no more to
be said," said the Vicar, with a careworn smile, looking
upon Rachel's handsome face.
"Eleven minutes past three." said Mr. Larkin, " and
I've a meeting at my house at half-past: so, unless you
complete that instrument now, I regret to say I must take
it back unfinished, and if the consequences should prove
serious, I, at least, am not to blame."
"Don't sign, I entreat, I implore of you. William
Wylder, you shan't."
"But, my dear Miss Lake, we have considered every-
thing, and Mr. Larkin and I agree that my circumstances
are such as to make it inevitable."
"Really, this is child's play; there, if you please,"
said the attorney, once more.
Rachel Lake, during the discussion, had removed her
hand. The faintly-traced line on which the Vicar was to
sign was now fairly presented to him.
"Just in your usual way," murmured Mr. Larkin.
So the Vicar's pen was applied, but before he had time
to trace the first letter of his name, Rachel Lake resolutely
snatched the thick, bluish sheet of scrivenery, before him,
and tore it across and across, with the quickness of terror,
and in fewer seconds than one could fancy, it lay about
the floor and grate in pieces little bigger than dominoes.
The attorney made a hungry snatch at the paper, over
William Wylder's shoulder, nearly bearing that gentleman
down on his face, but his clutch fell short.
"Hallo! Miss Lake, ma'am — the paper!"
But wild words were of no avail. The whole party,