"Do not arise, Dorothy; rest quietly, and I will sit here beside you on the bed. I have come to tell you that you must recover your health at once. We miss you greatly in the Hall."
No one could be more gracious than Elizabeth when the humor was upon her; though, in truth, the humor was often lacking.
"Let us send all save you and me from the room," said the queen, "that we may have a quiet little chat together."
All who were in the room save Dorothy and Elizabeth of course departed at once.
When the door was closed, the queen said: "I wish to thank you for telling me of the presence of her Scottish Majesty at Rutland. You know there is a plot on foot to steal my throne from me."
"God forbid that there should be such a plot," replied Dorothy, resting upon her elbow in the bed.
"I fear it is only too true that there is such a plot," returned Elizabeth, "and I owe you a great debt of gratitude for warning me of the Scottish queen's presence in my kingdom."
"I hope the danger will be averted from your Majesty," said Dorothy; "but that which I did will cause my death—it will kill me. No human being ever before has lived through the agony I have suffered since that terrible night. I was a traitress. I betrayed the man who is dearer to me than my immortal soul. He says that he forgives me, but your Majesty knows that my fault is beyond forgiveness."
"Sir John is a noble gentleman, child," said the queen. "I hope that he is loyal to me, but I fear—I fear."
"Do not doubt, do not fear, my queen," returned Dorothy, eagerly; "there is nothing false in him."