WYLDER'S HAJVD.
419
"What's done cannot be undone," said Rachel, sadly,
after a little pause, unconsciously quoting from a terrible
soliloquy of Shakespeare. "I know what you mean,
Radie; and you warned me, with a strange second-sight,
before the evil was known to either of us. It was an
irrevocable step, and I took it, not seeing all that has
happened it is true; but forewarned. And this I will say,
Radie, if I had known the worst, I think even that would
not have deterred me. It was madness — it is madness,
for I love him still. Rachel, though I know him and his
wickedness, and am filled with horror — I love him des-
perately."
"I am very glad," said Rachel, "that you do know
everything. It is so great a relief to have companionship.
I often thought I must go mad in my solitude."
"Poor Rachel! I think you wonderful — I think you
a heroine — I do, Radie; you and I are made for one
another — the same blood — something of the same wild
nature; I can admire you, and understand you, and will
always love you."
"I've been with William Wylder and Dolly. That
wicked attorney, Mr. Larkin, is resolved on robbing them.
I wish they had anyone able to advise them. Stanley I
am sure could save them; but he does not choose to do it.
He was always so angry when I urged him to help them,
that I knew it would be useless asking him; I don't think
he knows what Mr. Larkin has been doing; but, Dorcas,
I am afraid the very same thought has been in his mind."
"I hope not, Radie," and Dorcas sighed deeply.
"Everything is so wonderful and awful in the light that
has come."
That morning, poor William Wylder had received a
letter from Jos Larkin. Esq. mentioning that he had found
Messrs. Burlington and Smith anything but satisfied with