good deal petted and distinguished, with a fury that was startling. As
respects Rachel, we know how unjust was the attack.

And when the dowager opened her fire on Rachel, the young lady replied
with a spirit and dignity to which she was not at all accustomed.

So soon as Dorcas obtained a hearing, which was not for sometime--for
she, 'as a miserable and ridiculous victim and idiot,' was nearly as deep
in disgrace as those 'shameless harpies the Lakes'--she told the whole
truth as respected all parties with her superb and tranquil frankness.

Lady Chelford ordered her horses, and was about to leave Brandon next
morning. But rheumatism arrested her indignant flight; and during her
week's confinement to her room, her son contrived so that she consented
to stay for 'the odious ceremony,' and was even sourly civil to Miss
Lake, who received her advances quite as coldly as they were made.

To Miss Lake, Lord Chelford, though not in set terms, yet in many
pleasant ways, apologised for his mother's impertinence. Dorcas had told
_him_ also the story of Rachel's decided opposition to the marriage.

He was so particularly respectful to her--he showed her by the very form
into which he shaped his good wishes that he knew how frankly she had
opposed the marriage--how true she had been to her friend Dorcas--and she
understood him and was grateful.

In fact, Lord Chelford, whatever might be his opinion of the motives of
Captain Lake and the prudence of Dorcas, was clearly disposed to make the
best of the inevitable, and to stamp the new Brandon alliance with what
ever respectability his frank recognition could give it.