Then a very kind-looking lady came in and kissed her. "The motor is round," she said. "I'm so glad to have seen you, dear. We all admire your father very much."
Dorothy felt bewildered but followed her out, and there was a lovely motor, and her friend in it!
"You won't faint by the way this time," he said, "eh? Now, if you can keep your own counsel, little lady, you may hear some good news to-night."
They were tearing along the level road already, and almost in a flash, it seemed to Dorothy, they were passing the church of her own village.
"Oh, please let me get out!" she said to Mr. Lawrence in an agony. "If mother heard the motor she might think it was Miss Addiscombe, and be so disappointed. You have been kind, very, very kind, but I can't help thinking about father."
He let her out, and waving his hand, was soon off and out of sight. Dorothy walked slowly and sadly home. It seemed as if she had been away for days, and she was half afraid to go in, but to her surprise nothing seemed to have happened at all. Only Dick came rushing out, and, to her surprise, kissed her.
A Heroine
"I say, Dollie!" he began, "where have you been? You gave me an awful fright. Don't tell any one I called you a brute."
"Is mother frightened?" said Dollie. "I—I meant to help, but I've done nothing."
"How could you help?" said Dick, surprised. "Mother stayed in bed; she is only getting up now."