The love is all on my part." Dorothy insisted, but Madge begged her not to ask for her secret.
"Please don't even make a guess concerning him," said Madge.

"It is my shame and my joy." It looked as if this malady which had fallen upon Dorothy were like the plague that infects a whole family if one but catch it.
Dorothy, though curious, was generous, and remained content with Madge's promise that she should be the first one to hear the sweet story if ever the time should come to tell it.
"When did you see him ?" asked Madge, who was more willing to receive than to impart intelligence concerning affairs of the heart.
"To-day," answered Dorothy.

Then she told Madge about the scenes at the gate and described what had happened between her and Sir George in the kitchen and banquet hall.
"How could you tell your father such a falsehood ?" asked Madge in consternation.
"It was very easy.

You see I had to do it.

I never lied until recently.
But oh, Madge, this is a terrible thing to come upon a girl!" "This" was somewhat indefinite, but Madge understood, and perhaps it will be clear to you what Dorothy meant.