"I am half there already." My Cousin Dorothy looked up from her sewing; and I think she knew that something was forward; for she continued to look at me.
"Not to bed yet, Cousin Tom," I said.

"There is a matter I must speak of first." Well; I sat down and told him as gently as I could--all the affair, except of the King's packet; and by the time I was done he was no longer at all drowsy.

I told him too of the design I had formed, and that James was gone to carry it out.
"Had you not best be gone at once ?" he said; and I saw the terror in his eyes, lest he too should be embroiled.

But my Cousin Dorothy looked at me, unafraid; only there was a spot of colour on either cheek.
"Well," I said, "I can ride out into the fields and wait there, if you wish it, until morning: if you will send for me then if all be quiet." But I explained to him again that I was in two minds as to whether I should go at all, so very small was the evidence of danger.
He looked foolish at that; but I could see that he wanted me gone: so I stood up.
"Well, Cousin," I said, "I see that you will be easier if I go.

I will begone first and see whether James has the horses out; and you had best meanwhile go to my chamber and put away all that can incriminate you--in one of your hiding-holes." I was half-way to the kitchen when I heard my Cousin Dorothy come after me; and I could see that she was in a great way.
"Cousin," she said, "I am ashamed that my father should speak like that.
If I were mistress--" "My dear Cousin," I said lightly, "if you were mistress, I should not be here at all." "It is a shame," she said again, paying no attention, as her way was when she liked.