WYLDER'S HAJVJ3.
363
have no conception how, and may never even suspect.
Don't ask me, but listen."
Wonder-stricken and pained was the countenance with
which the Vicar gazed upon her, and Dolly looked both
frightened and perplexed.
"I have a little more than three hundred a-year.
There is a little annuity charged on Sir Hugh Landon's
estate, and his solicitor has written, offering me six hun-
dred pounds for it. I will write to-night accepting that
offer, and you shall have the money to pay those debts
which have been pressing so miserably upon you. Don t
thank — not a word — but listen. I would so like, Dol-
ly, to come and live with you. We could unite our in-
comes, I need only bring poor old Tamar with me, and I
can give up Redman's Farm in September next. I should
be so much happier; and I think my income and yours
joined would enable us to live without any danger of get-
ting into debt. Will you agree to this, Dolly, dear; and
promise me, William Wylder, that you will think no
more of selling that reversion, which may be the splendid
provision of your dear little boy. Your refusal would
almost make me mad. I would try, Dolly, to be of use.
I think I could. Only try me."
She fancied she saw in Dolly's face, under all her
gratitude, some perplexity and hesitation, and feared to
accept a decision then. So she hurried away, with a has-
ty and kind good-bye.
A fortnight before, I think, during Dolly's jealous fit,
this magnificent offer of Rachel's would, notwithstanding
the dreadful necessities of the case, have been coldly re-
ceived by the poor little woman. But that delusion was
quite cured now — no reserve, or doubt, or coldness left
behind. And Dolly and the Vicar felt that Rachel's no-
ble proposal was the making of them.