There was a short silence, and Rachel gazed on the
carpet in troubled reflection, and then, with an anxious
look, she took her cousin’s hand, and said—
’Dorcas, you must think of this no more.
I am speaking against my brother’s interest.
But you must not sacrifice yourself, your fortune,
and your happiness, to a shadow; whatever his
means are, they hardly suffice for his personal expenses—indeed,
they don’t suffice, for I have had to help him.
But that is all trifling compared with other considerations.
I am his sister, and, though he has shown little love
for me, I am not without affection—and
strong affection—for him; but I must and
will speak frankly. You could not, I don’t
think anyone could be happy with Stanley for her husband.
You don’t know him: he’s profligate;
he’s ill-tempered; he’s cold; he’s
selfish; he’s secret. He was a spoiled
boy, totally without moral education; he might, perhaps,
have been very different, but he is what he
is, and I don’t think he’ll ever change.’
’He may be what he will. It is vain reasoning
with that which is not reason; the battle is over;
possibly he may never know, and that might be best
for both—but be it how it may, I will never
marry anyone else.’
’Dorcas, dear, you must not speak to Lady Chelford,
or to Mark Wylder, to-night. It is too serious
a step to be taken in haste.’
‘There has been no haste, Rachel, and there
can be no change.’
‘And what reason can you give?’
‘None; no reason,’ said Dorcas, slowly.
’Wylder would have been suitable in point of
wealth. Not so well, I am sure, as you might
have married; but neither would he be a good
husband, though not so bad as Stanley; and I do not
think that Mark Wylder will quietly submit to his
disappointment.’
’It was to have been simply a marriage of two
estates. It was old Lady Chelford’s plan.
I have now formed mine, and all that’s over.
Let him do what he will—I believe a lawsuit
is his worst revenge—I’m indifferent.’
Just then a knock came to the chamber door.
‘Come in,’ said Miss Brandon: and
her maid entered to say that the carriage, please
Ma’am, was at the door to take Miss Lake home.
‘I had no idea it was so late,’ said Rachel.
’Stay, dear, don’t go for a moment.
Jones, bring Miss Lake’s cloak and bonnet here.
And now, dear,’ she said, after a little pause,
’you’ll remember your solemn promise?’
‘I never broke my word, dear Dorcas; your secret
is safe.’
‘And, Rachel, try to like me.’
’I love you better, Dorcas, than I thought I
ever could. Good-night, dear.’
‘Good-night.’
And the young ladies parted with a kiss, and then
another.
‘JENNY, PUT THE KETTLE ON.’
Old Lady Chelford, having despatched a sharp and unceremonious
message to her young kinswoman, absent without leave,
warning her, in effect, that if she returned to the
drawing-room it would be to preside, alone, over gentlemen,
departed, somewhat to our secret relief.
