WYLDER'S HAJVD.
379
The fact is the attorney began to apprehend hysterics,
or something even worse, and was himself rather fright-
ened. But Rachel was never long overwhelmed by any
shock — fear was not for her — her brave spirit stood her
in stead; and nothing rallied her so surely as the sense
that an attempt was being made to intimidate her.
"What have I heard — what have I endured? Listen
to me, you cowardly libeller. It is true that I was at
Dollington, and at Charteris, on the night you name.
Also true that I went to London. Your hideous slander
is garnished with two or three bits of truth, but only the
more villainous for that. All that you have dared to in-
sinuate is utterly false. Before Him who judges all, and
knows all things — utterly and damnably false!"
The attorney made a bow — it was his best. He did
not imitate a gentleman happily, and was never so vulgar
as when he was finest.
One word of her wild protest he did not believe. His
bow was of that grave but mocking sort which was meant
to convey it. Perhaps if he had accepted what she said
it might have led him to new and sounder conclusions.
Here was light, but it glared and flashed in vain for him.
Rachel rang her bell sharply, and old Tamar appeared.
"Show Mr. — Mr. —; show him to the door," said
Miss Lake.
The attorney rose, made another bow, and threw back
his head, and moved in a way that was oppressively gen-
tlemanlike to the door, and speedily vanished at the little
wicket. Old Tamar holding her candle to lighten his path,
as she stood, white and cadaverous, in the porch.
"She's a bit noisy to-night," thought the attorney, as
he descended the road to Gylingden; "but she'll be pre-
cious sober by to-morrow morning — and I venture to say
we shall hear nothing more of that scheme of hers.