Miss Brandon looked down, and then, with a pale gaze suddenly in
Chelford's face—
'He thinks he may die?' said she.
'Yes,' said Lord Chelford, in a very low tone, returning her gaze solemnly.
'And nobody to advise but that village doctor, Buddle—that's hardly credible, I think.'
'Pardon me. At his suggestion I have sent for Sir Francis Seddley, from town, and I hope he may arrive early to-morrow morning.'
'Why, Stanley Lake may die to-day.'
'He does not apprehend that. But it is necessary to remove the bullet, and the operation will be critical, and it is for that specially that Sir Francis is coming down.'
'It is to take place to-morrow, and he'll die in that operation. You know he'll die,' said Dorcas, pale and fierce.
'I assure you, Dorcas, I have been perfectly frank. He looks upon poor
Lake as in very great danger—but that is all.'
'What brutes you men are!' said Dorcas, with a wild scorn in her look and accent, and her cheeks flushed with passion. 'You knew quite well last night there was to be this wicked duel in the morning—and you—a magistrate—a lord-lieutenant—what are you?—you connived at this bloody conspiracy—and he—your own cousin, Chelford—your cousin!'