together----'

Stanley paused, not knowing exactly how to construct the remainder of his
sentence.

Dorcas added another blossom.

'I think that blue improves it wonderfully. Don't you?'

'The blue? Oh yes, certainly.'

'And now that little star of yellow will make it perfect,' said Dorcas.

'Yes--yellow--quite perfect,' said Stanley. 'But when you saw Rachel and
me talking together, or rather Rachel talking to me, I do assure you,
Dorcas, upon my sacred honour, one half of what she said I do not to this
moment comprehend, and the whole was based on the most preposterous
blunder; and I will tell you in a little time everything about it. I
would this moment--I'd be delighted--only just until I have got a letter
which I expect--a letter, I assure you, nothing more--and until I have
got it, it would be simply to waste your time and patience to weary you
with any such--any such.'

'_Secret_,' said Dorcas.

'_Secret_, then, if you will have it so,' retorted Stanley, suddenly,
with one of those glares that lasted for just one fell moment; but he
instantly recovered himself. '_Secret_--yes--but no secret in the evil
sense--a secret only awaiting the evidence which I daily expect, and then
to be stated fully and frankly to you, my only darling, and as completely