CHAPTER XXII.
Brother, thy tail hangs down behind.
-- _Song of the Bandar-log_.
Rachel arrived after tea at Wilderleigh, and went straight to her room on a plea of fatigue.

It was a momentary cowardice that tempted her to yield to her fatigue.

She felt convinced that she should meet Hugh Scarlett at Wilderleigh.

She had no reason for the conviction beyond the very inadequate one that she had met him at Sybell's London house.
Nevertheless, she felt sure that he would be among the guests, and she longed for a little breathing-space after parting with Lady Newhaven before she met him.

Presently Sybell flew in and embraced her with effusion.
"Oh! what you have missed!" she said, breathlessly.