and reads to me, and listens to my follies and temper, and sometimes says
very wise things, too; and the good vicar comes often--this is one of his
days--with his beautiful little boy, and talks so well, and answers my
follies and explains all my perplexities, and is really a great help and
comfort.'

'Yes,' said Lord Chelford, with the same pleasant smile, 'he told me so;
and seems so pleased to have met with so clever a pupil. Are you coming
to Brandon this evening? Lake asked William Wylder, perhaps he will be
with us. I do hope you will come. Dorcas says there is no use in writing;
but that you know you are always welcome. May I say you'll come?'

Rachel smiled sadly on the snow-drops at her feet, and shook her head a
little.

'No, I must stay at home this evening--I mean I have not spirits to go to
Brandon. Thank Dorcas very much from me--that is, if you really mean that
she asked me.'

'I am so sorry--I am so disappointed,' said Lord Chelford, looking
gravely and enquiringly at her. He began, I think, to fancy some
estrangement there. 'But perhaps to-morrow--perhaps even to-day--you may
relent, you know. Don't say it is impossible.'

Rachel smiled on the ground, as before; and then, with a little sigh and
a shake of her head, said--

'No.'

'Well, I must tell Dorcas she was right--you are very inexorable and