The fact is, Captain Lake, an accomplished player, made a pretty little revenue of Sir Harry's billiards, which were wild and noisy; and liking his money, thought he liked himself--a confusion not uncommon. 'I don't know, and can't say, how you fine gentlemen define wickedness: only, as an obscure female, I speak according to my lights: and he is generally thought the wickedest man in this county.' 'Well, you know, Radie, women like wicked fellows: it is contrast, I suppose, but they do; and I'm sure, from what Bracton has said to me--I know him intimately--that Dorcas likes him, and I can't conceive why they are not married.' 'It is very happy, for her at least, they are not,' said Rachel, and a long silence ensued. Their walk continued silent for the greater part, neither was quite satisfied with the other. But Rachel at last said-- 'Stanley, you meditate some injury to Mark Wylder.' 'I, Radie?' he answered quietly, 'why on earth should you think so?' 'I saw you twice watch him when you thought no one observed you--and I know your face too well, Stanley, to mistake.' 'Now that's impossible, Radie; for I really don't think I once thought of him all this evening--except just while we were talking.' 'You keep your secret as usual, Stanley,' said the young lady. 'Really, Radie, you're quite mistaken. I assure you, upon my honour, I've no secret. You're a very odd girl--why won't you believe me?' Miss Rachel only glanced across her mufflers on his face. There was a bright moonlight, broken by the shadows of overhanging boughs and withered leaves; and the mottled lights and shadows glided oddly across his pale features. But she saw that he was smiling his sly, sleepy smile, and she said quietly-- 'Well, Stanley, I ask no more--but you don't deceive me.' 'I don't try to. If your feelings indeed had been different, and that you had not made such a point--you know--' 'Don't insult me, Stanley, by talking again as you did this morning. What I say is altogether on your own account. Mark my words, you'll find him too strong for you; aye, and too deep. I see very plainly that _he_ suspects you as I do. You saw it, too, for nothing of that kind escapes you. Whatever you meditate, he probably anticipates it--you know best--and you will find him prepared. You have given him time enough. You were always the same, close, dark, and crooked, and wise in your own conceit. I am very uneasy about it, whatever it is. _I_ can't help it. It will happen--and most ominously I feel that you are courting a dreadful retaliation, and that you will bring on yourself a great misfortune; but it is quite vain, I know, speaking to you.' 'Really, Radie, you're enough to frighten a poor fellow; you won't mind a word I say, and go on predicting all manner of mischief between me and Wylder, the very nature of which I can't surmise. Would you dislike my smoking a cigar, Radie?'