"Dorothy," he went on, "will you—?"
"Never," she replied, cutting him short in the middle of his speech, and, finding herself at liberty, she rushed precipitately into the Hall.
De la Zouch gazed after her in mute astonishment, and, staggered as he was, he remained in the same position until he was startled by a voice behind him.
"At prayers, sir knight?" asked the baron. "Father Phillip's grace at the table was long enough to serve me through the day."
"No, Sir George," replied the crestfallen lover, "I have been pleading my suit with Dorothy."
"And what said she?"
"She is bashful."
"What! My Doll bashful? That were hardly polite to thee, methinks."
"Perchance I should have more success with thee?" pleaded Sir Henry, as pathetically as he could.
"Let us withdraw into the bower, then," replied Sir George, "we can talk it over there, and we shall not be disturbed. Ha! here comes Lady Vernon, she will know what to do."