In about an hour afterwards, Rachel Lake arrived in the carriage which had been despatched for her with Dorcas's note.
She was a good deal muffled up, and looked very pale, and asked whether Miss Brandon was in her room, whither she glided rapidly up stairs. It was a sort of boudoir or dressing-room, with a few pretty old portraits and miniatures, and a number of Louis Quatorze looking-glasses hung round, and such pretty quaint cabriole gilt and pale green furniture.
Dorcas met her at the door, and they kissed silently.
'How is he, Dorcas?'
'Very ill, dear, I'm afraid—sit down, darling.'
Rachel was relieved, for in her panic she almost feared to ask if he were living.
'Is there immediate danger?'
'The doctor says not, but he is very much alarmed for to-morrow.'
'Oh! Dorcas, darling, he'll die; I know it. Oh! merciful Heaven! how tremendous.'
'You will not be so frightened in a little time. You have only just heard it, Rachel dearest, and you are startled. I was so myself.'