'That is false.'

'True, _true_, Sir. Oh, Stanley, it is a load upon my conscience--a
mountain--a mountain between me and my hopes. I can't endure the misery
to which you would consign me; you _shall_ do it--immediately, too' (she
stamped wildly as she said it), 'and if you hesitate, Stanley, I shall be
compelled to speak, though the thought of it makes me almost mad with
terror.'

'What is he to do, Rachel?' said Dorcas, standing near the door.

It was a very awkward pause. The splendid young bride was the only person
on the stage who looked very much as usual. Stanley turned his pale glare
of fury from Rachel to Dorcas, and Dorcas said again,

'What is it, Rachel, darling?'

Rachel, with a bright blush on her cheeks, stepped quickly up to her, put
her arms about her neck and kissed her, and over her shoulder she cried
to her brother--

'Tell her, Stanley.'

And so she quickly left the room and was gone.

'Well, Dorkie, love, what's the matter?' said Stanley sharply, at last
breaking the silence.

'I really don't know--you, perhaps, can tell,' answered she coldly.