One afternoon when the sun was graciously warm and bright, I induced Madge to walk with me upon the terrace, that I might for a few moments feel the touch of her hand and hear her whispered words.  We took a seat by a large holly bush, which effectually concealed us from view.  We had been there but a few moments when we heard footsteps approaching.  Looking between the branches of the holly bush I saw Dorothy and Leicester coming toward us from the north end of the terrace.  Dorothy’s eyes were cast down demurely, and her head hung in the attitude of a shy, modest girl, who listens timidly to words that are music in her ears.  Never have I seen an attitude more indicative of the receptive mood than that which Dorothy assumed toward Leicester.

“Ah,” thought I, “poor John has given his heart and has risked his life for the sake of Doll, and Doll is a miserable coquette.”

But there was conduct still more objectionable to come from Dorothy.

Unconscious of our presence, Leicester said, “My fair beauty, my Venus, here is a settle under this holly bush, well hidden from prying eyes.  It invites us.  Will you sit here with me for one happy moment, and give me a taste of Paradise?”

“I fear I should not sit with you, my lord, however much I—­may—­may wish to do so.  My father or the queen might observe us.”  The black lashes fell upon the fair cheek, and the red golden head with its crown of glory hung forward convincingly.

“You false jade,” thought I.

“I ask for but one moment,” pleaded Leicester.  “The queen sleeps at this time after dinner, and perhaps your father would not object if you were to grant this little favor to the first nobleman of the realm.”

“You do not know my father, my lord.  He is very strict regarding my conduct,” murmured the drooping head.

“I ask for but one little moment,” continued the earl, “in which to tell you that you have filled my heart with adoration and love.”

“I should not listen to you, my lord.  Were I mindful of my happiness, I should return to the Hall at once,” said the drooping lashes and hanging head.

“You lying wench,” thought I. By that time I was thoroughly angered.

“Only one little moment on the settle,” pleaded Leicester, “that I may speak to you that which I wish so ardently to say.”

“Can you not speak while we walk, my lord?” asked Dorothy.

I felt a bitter desire to curse the girl.

“It is difficult for me to speak while we walk,” said Leicester, cautiously taking the girl’s hand; so she permitted him to lead her to the settle under the holly bush, on the opposite side of which Madge and I were sitting.

The earl retained the hand for a moment after he and Dorothy were seated, but she gently drew it away and moved a little distance from his Lordship.  Still, her eyes were drooped, her head hung low, and her bosom actually heaved as if with emotion.