But Richard's heart was weak; he confessed his cowardice squarely.

In his own defense he pleaded the memory of his former interview with Mrs.Hanway-Harley; it was yet heavy upon him, and he could summon no courage for another.

Then Dorothy became the heroine; she would inform Mrs.Hanway-Harley with her own young lips.

This she did, bearing herself the while with much love and firmness, since Richard--quaking inwardly, but concealing his craven condition from Dorothy--supported her throughout.
Mrs.Hanway-Harley surprised everybody with the moderate spirit in which she received the word.

True, her manner could not have been called boisterously joyful, and indeed she made no pretense of the kind.