There lord Herbert showed Dorothy where her dog
vanished, comforting her with the assurance that nothing should be
altered before the faithful animal returned, as doubtless he would
the moment he despaired of finding her in the open country.
Lord Herbert said nothing to his father that night lest he should
spoil his rest, for he was yet far from well, but finding him a good
deal better the next morning, he laid open the whole matter to him
according to his convictions concerning Dorothy and her behaviour,
ending with the words: 'That maiden, my lord, hath truth enough in
her heart to serve the whole castle, an' if it might be but shared.
To doubt her is to wrong the very light. I fear there are not many
maidens in England who would have the courage and honesty, necessary
both, to act as she hath done.'
The marquis listened attentively, and when lord Herbert had ended,
sat a few moments in silence; then, for all answer, said,
'Go and fetch her, my lad.'
When Dorothy entered,--
'Come hither, maiden,' he said from his chair.
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