WYLDER'S HAJVD.
385
cambric, and with perfumed hair and handkerchief, pre-
sented himself before Dorcas.
"Now, Dorkie, darling, your poor soldier has come
back, resolved to turn over a new leaf, and never more to
reserve another semblance of a secret from you," said he,
so soon as his first greeting was over. "I long to have a
good talk with you, Dorkie. I have no one on earth to
confide in but you. I think," he said, with a little sigh,
"I would never have been so reserved with you, darling,
if I had had anything pleasant to confide; but all I have
to say is triste and tiresome — only a story of difficulties
and petty vexations. I want to talk to you, Dorkie.
Where shall it be?"
They were in the great drawing-room, where I had first
seen Dorcas Brandon and Rachel Lake, on the evening on
which my acquaintance with the princely Hall was renew-
ed, after an interval of so many years.
"This room, Stanley, dear?"
"Yes, this room will answer very well," he said, look-
ing round. '' We can't be over heard, it is so large. Very
well, darling, listen."
CHAPTER LXI. >
THE CAPTAIN EXPLAINS WHY MARK WYLDER ABSCONDED.
"How delicious these violets are!" said Stanley, lean-
ing for a moment over the fragrant purple dome that
crowned a china stand on the marble table they were pass-
ing. "You love flowers, Dorkie. Every perfect woman
17