WYLDER'S HAJVD.
411
Switzerland, and I have made up my mind to sell my
rent-charge on the Dulchester estate. It will produce,
Mr. Young says, a very large sum, and I wish to lend it
to you, either all or as much as will make you quite com-
fortable — you must not refuse. I had intended leaving
it to my dear little man up stairs; and you must promise
me solemnly that you will not listen to the advice of that
bad, cruel man, Mr. Larkin."
"My dear Miss Lake, you misunderstood him. But
what can I say — how can I thank you?" said the Vicar,
clasping her hand.
"A wicked and merciless man, I say," repeated Miss
Lake. "From my observation of him, I am certain of
two things — I am sure that he has some reason for think-
ing that your brother, Mark Wylder, is dead; and second-
ly, that he is himself deeply interested in the purchase of
your reversion. I feel a little ill: Dolly, open the win-
dow."
There was a silence for a little while, and Rachel re-
sumed : —
"Now, William Wylder, I am convinced, that you and
your wife (and she kissed Dolly,) and your dear little boy,
are marked out for plunder — the objects of a conspiracy;
and I'll lose my life, but I'll prevent it."
"Now, Willie dear, do you hear that — do you hear
what she says?"
'' But Dolly darling — dear Miss Lake there is no
reason whatever to suppose that poor Mark is dead," said
the Vicar, very pale.
"I tell you again, I am convinced the attorney believes
it. He did not. say so, indeed; but, cunning as he is, I
think I've quite seen through his plot; and even in what
he said to me, there was something that half betrayed him
every moment. And, Dolly, if you allow this sale, you