The fact that the contract was read without the presence of Dorothy, whom it so nearly concerned, was significant of the small consideration which at that time was given to a girl's consent.

When all was ready for the signing, Dorothy was summoned.
Sir George stood beside the Stanleys, and his nervousness was painfully apparent.

Two servants opened the great doors at the end of the long gallery, and Dorothy, holding up the skirt of her gown, bounded into the room.

She kneeled to the queen, and turned toward her uncle Stanley and her lover-cousin with a low bow.

Then she courtesied and said-- "Good even, uncle, and how do you do, cousin.