But I must keep watch upon Mistress Nutter's further movements." And he walked cautiously after her.
As Richard had anticipated, his explanation was perfectly satisfactory to Dorothy; and the young lady, who had suffered greatly from the restraint she had imposed upon herself, flew to Alizon, and poured forth excuses, which were as readily accepted as they were freely made.
They were instantly as great friends as before, and their brief estrangement only seemed to make them dearer to each other.

Dorothy could not forgive herself, and Alizon assured her there was nothing to be forgiven, and so they took hands upon it, and promised to forget all that had passed.

Richard stood by, delighted with the change, and wrapped in the contemplation of the object of his love, who, thus engaged, seemed to him more beautiful than he had ever beheld her.
Towards the close of the evening, while all three were still together.
Nicholas came up and took Richard aside.

The squire looked flushed; and there was an undefined expression of alarm in his countenance.
"What is the matter ?" inquired Richard, dreading to hear of some new calamity.
"Have you not noticed it, Dick ?" said Nicholas, in a hollow tone.

"The portrait is gone." "What portrait ?" exclaimed Richard, forgetting the previous circumstances.
"The portrait of Isole de Heton," returned Nicholas, becoming more sepulchral in his accents as he proceeded; "it has vanished from the wall.