'Have you really come all this way, Rachel, to see me this evening?' she said, and something of sarcasm thrilled in the cold, musical tones.
'No, Dorcas,' said Rachel, taking her proffered hand in the spirit in which it was given, and with the air rather of a defiance than of a greeting; 'I came to see my brother.'
'You are frank, at all events, Rachel, and truth is better than courtesy; but you forget that your brother could not have returned so soon.'
'Returned?' said Rachel; 'I did not know he had left home.'
'It's strange he should not have consulted you. I, of course, knew nothing of it until he had been more than an hour upon his journey.'
Rachel Lake made no answer but a little laugh.
'He'll return to-morrow; and perhaps your meeting may still be in time. I was thinking of a few minutes' walk upon the terrace, but you are fatigued: you had better come in and rest.'
'No, Dorcas, I won't go in.'
'But, Rachel, you are tired; you must come in with me, and drink tea, and then you can go home in the brougham,' said Dorcas, more kindly.
'No, Dorcas, no; I will not drink tea nor go in; but I am tired, and as you are so kind, I will accept your offer of the carriage.'