"Would that all maids were as loyal, Baker. Lady Saxondale trusts you and so shall I. But," wonder again manifesting itself, "I cannot understand such fidelity. Not for £5,000?"
"No, Miss; thank you," respectfully and firmly.
"Ask Lady Saxondale if I may come to her."
The maid departed, and soon returned to say that Lady Saxondale would gladly see her. Dorothy followed her down the long, dark hall and into the boudoir of Castle Craneycrow's mistress. Lady Jane sat on the broad window seat, looking pensively out at the blue sky. There was in the room such an air of absolute peace and security that Dorothy's heart gave a sharp, wistful throb.
"I'm glad you've come, Dorothy," said Lady Saxondale, approaching from the shadowy side of the room. Dorothy turned to see the hands of her ladyship extended as if calling her to friendly embrace. For a moment she looked into the clear, kindly eyes of the older woman, and then, overcome by a strange, inexplicable longing for love and sympathy, dropped her hands into those which were extended.
"I've come to beg, Lady Saxondale--to beg you to be kind to me, to have pity for my mother. I can ask no more," she said, simply.
"I love you, dear; we all love you. Be content for a little while, a little while, and then you will thank Heaven and thank us."
"I demand that you release me," cried the other. "You are committing a crime against all justice. Release me, and I promise to forget the part you are taking in this outrage. Trust me to shield you and yours absolutely."
"You ask me to trust you. Now, I ask you to trust me. Trust me to shield you and to--"
"Forgive me," said Lady Saxondale, simply. She pressed the hands warmly, and passed from the room. Dorothy felt her head reel, and there was in her heart the dread of losing something precious, she knew not what.
"Come up into the tower with me, Dorothy," said Lady Jane, coming to her side, her voice soft and entreating. "The view is grand. Mr. Savage and I were there early this morning to see the sun rise."
"Are you all against me? Even you, Lady Jane? Oh, how have I wronged you that I should be made to suffer so at your hands? Yes, yes! Take me to the tower! I can't stay here."
"I shall ask Mr. Savage to go with us. He will hold you. It would be too bad to have you try to fly from up there, because it's a long way to the crags, and you'd never fly again--in this world, at least. I believe I'll call Dickey, to be on the safe side."