THE LEICESTER POSSIBILITY On Leaving the dungeon I sought Madge, and after I had whispered a word to her from my heart I asked her to tell Dorothy the encouraging words of the surgeon, and also to tell her that she should not be angry with me until she was sure she had good cause.

I dared not send a more explicit message, and I dared not go to Dorothy, for Sir George was in a suspicious mood and I feared ruin not only for myself but for John, should my violent cousin suspect me of sympathy with his daughter and her lover.
I also sought Aunt Dorothy and whispered a word to her of which you shall hear more presently.
"Ah, I cannot do it," cried the trembling old lady in response to my whispered request.

"I cannot do it." "But you must, Aunt Dorothy," I responded.

"Upon it depend three lives: Sir George's, Dorothy's, and her lover's.

You must do it." "I will try," she replied.
"That assurance will not suit me," I responded.