"I, Dorothy," was the response. "I wish to speak to her Majesty at once upon a matter of great importance to her."
Elizabeth ordered her ladies to admit Dorothy, and the girl ran to the queen, who had half arisen in her bed.
"You must have affairs of great moment, indeed," cried Elizabeth, testily, "if they induce you to disturb me in this manner."
"Of great moment, indeed, your Majesty," replied Dorothy, endeavoring to be calm, "of moment to you and to me. Mary Stuart is in England at this instant trying to steal your crown and my lover. She is now sleeping within five leagues of this place. God only knows what she is doing. Let us waste no time, your Majesty."
The girl was growing wilder every second.
"Let us go—you and I—and seize this wanton creature. You to save your crown; I to save my lover and—my life."
"Where is she?" demanded Elizabeth, sharply. "Cease prattling about your lover. She would steal both my lover and my crown if she could. Where is she?"
"She is at Rutland Castle, your Majesty," answered Dorothy.
"Ah, the Duke of Rutland and his son John," said Elizabeth. "I have been warned of them. Send for my Lord Cecil and Sir William St. Loe."
Sir William was in command of the yeoman guards.