CHAPTER XV.
LIGHT Dorothy had awakened while we were entering Rowsley, and I was glad that Mary could not touch me again.
When our coach reached the stone steps of the entrance tower we found Sir George, Lady Crawford, and Madge waiting to receive us.

The steps and the path leading to them had been carpeted with soft rugs, and Mary, although a prisoner, was received with ceremonies befitting her rank.

It was a proud day for Sir George when the roof of his beautiful Hall sheltered the two most famous queens of christendom.
Sir George assisted Mary from the coach most graciously, and in knightly fashion led her to Lady Crawford and Madge, who were standing at the foot of the tower steps.

Due presentations were made, and the ladies of Haddon having kissed the queen's hand, Mary went into the Hall upon the arm of his Majesty, the King of the Peak, who stepped forward most proudly.
His resentment against Dorothy was for the moment neutralized by the great honor of which his house and himself were the recipients.
John and Lord Rutland were taken to the dungeon.
I assisted Dorothy from the coach and led her to Madge, who was waiting for us upon the lowest of the steps leading to the entrance tower doorway.
Dorothy took Madge's outstretched hand; but Madge, by some strange instinct, knowing of my presence, turned her face toward me.

I could not lift my eyes to her face, nor could I endure to remain in her presence.
While we were ascending the steps she held out her hand to me and said:-- "Is all well with you, Malcolm ?" Her voice was full of tender concern, and it pained me to the heart to hear her speak kindly to me, who was so unworthy of her smallest thought.
"Yes, Lady--yes, Madge," I responded; but she knew from the tones of my voice that all was not right with me.
"I fear, Malcolm, that you do not tell me the truth.