Sir George, therefore, after several interviews with the earl, grew anxious to give his Lordship an opportunity to win her.

But both Sir George and my lord feared Elizabeth's displeasure, and the meeting between Leicester and the girl seemed difficult to contrive.

Sir George felt confident that Dorothy could, if she would, easily capture the great lord in a few private interviews; but would she?
Dorothy gave her father no encouragement in the matter, and took pains to shun Leicester rather than to seek him.
As Dorothy grew unwilling, Leicester and Sir George grew eager, until at length the latter felt that it was almost time to exert his parental authority.

He told Aunt Dorothy his feeling on the subject, and she told her niece.

It was impossible to know from what source Dorothy might draw inspiration for mischief.