Lady Crawford laughed.  “She shall not escape.  Have no fear of that, Malcolm.  The key to the door is always safely locked in my reticule.  No girl can outwit me.  I am too old to be caught unawares by a mere child like Dorothy.  It makes me laugh, Malcolm—­although I am sore at heart for Dorothy’s sake—­it makes me laugh, with a touch of tears, when I think of poor simple Dorothy’s many little artifices to gain possession of this key.  They are amusing and pathetic.  Poor child!  But I am too old to be duped by a girl, Malcolm, I am too old.  She has no chance to escape.”

I said to myself:  “No one has ever become too old to be duped by a girl who is in love.  Her wits grow keen as the otter’s fur grows thick for the winter’s need.  I do not know your niece’s plan; but if I mistake not, Aunt Dorothy, you will in one respect, at least, soon be rejuvenated.”

“I am sure Lady Crawford is right in what she says,” spoke my other self, “and Sir George is fortunate in having for his daughter a guardian who cannot be hoodwinked and who is true to a distasteful trust.  I would the trouble were over and that Dorothy were well married.”

“So wish I, Malcolm, with all my heart,” replied Aunt Dorothy.

After a brief pause in the conversation Malcolm No. 2 said:—­

“I must now take my leave.  Will you kindly unlock the door and permit me to say good night?”

“If you must go,” answered my lady, glad enough to be left alone with her beloved Sir Philip.  Then she unlocked the door.

“Keep good watch, my dear aunt,” said Malcolm.  “I greatly fear that Dorothy—­” but the door closed on the remainder of the sentence and on Dorothy Vernon.

“Nonsense!” ejaculated the old lady somewhat impatiently.  “Why should he fear for Dorothy?  I hope I shall not again be disturbed.”  And soon she was deep in the pages of her book.

CHAPTER IX

A TRYST AT BOWLING GREEN GATE

I was at a loss what course to pursue, and I remained for a moment in puzzling thought.  I went back to Madge, and after closing the door, told her of all I had seen.  She could not advise me, and of course she was deeply troubled and concerned.  After deliberating, I determined to speak to Aunt Dorothy that she might know what had happened.  So I opened the door and walked into Lady Crawford’s presence.  After viewing my lady’s back for a short time, I said:—­

“I cannot find my hat, cloak, and sword.  I left them in Dorothy’s bedroom.  Has any one been here since I entered?”

The old lady turned quickly upon me, “Since you entered?” she cried in wonderment and consternation.  “Since you left, you mean.  Did you not leave this room a few minutes ago?  What means this?  How found you entrance without the key?”

“I did not leave this room, Aunt Dorothy; you see I am here,” I responded.

“Who did leave?  Your wraith?  Some one—­Dorothy!” screamed the old lady in terror.  “That girl!!—­Holy Virgin! where is she?”