"Let us return to the house.
Thus much is ascertained, Alizon, that you are no child of your supposed parent.

Wait a little, and the rest shall be found out for you.

And, meantime, be assured that I take strong interest in you." "That we all do," added Dorothy.
"Thank you! thank you!" exclaimed Alizon, almost overpowered.
With this they went forth, and, traversing the shafted aisle, quitted the conventual church, and took their way along the alley leading to the garden.
"Say not a word at present to Elizabeth Device of the information you have obtained, Alizon," observed Mistress Nutter.

"I have reasons for this counsel, which I will afterwards explain to you.

And do you keep silence on the subject, Dorothy." "May I not tell Richard ?" said the young lady.
"Not Richard--not any one," returned Mistress Nutter, "or you may seriously affect Alizon's prospects." "You have cautioned me in time," cried Dorothy, "for here comes my brother with our cousin Nicholas." And as she spoke a turn in the alley showed Richard and Nicholas Assheton advancing towards them.
A strange revolution had been produced in Alizon's feelings by the events of the last half hour.