“I know nothing except the bare statement made to me,” answered Dorothy. “Will you not narrate the circumstances which led up to that statement?” asked Lord Ashley. “Will you not detail the entire conversation which took place between you? You see,” he added, “there may have been words with little meaning for you, which nevertheless would mean much for the officers of His Majesty’s Government, in view of the facts which they know and the clues which they possess.” Dorothy hesitated an instant. “I have said to you,” she replied, “that no such remarks passed between us.” “I have explained that you are scarcely in a position to judge accurately as to this,” went on Lord Ashley inexorably. “Will you not repeat, for the benefit of the Government, the conversation which occurred, so that the Government may judge for itself as to this matter?” “No,” replied Dorothy coldly. “The conversation was of a private character--one with which the Government has no concern. I have assured you that no remarks such as you seek were made. Beyond this I will not go!” “Then I am to understand,” said Lord Ashley regretfully, “that you prefer to render possible aid to this traitor rather than to the King and Queen from whom you hold a post of honor and whom you profess to serve?” “I reject the charge of treachery as to myself, as I do the name traitor as applied to Captain Mortimer,” replied Dorothy with spirit. “Your insinuation of disloyalty on my part,” she added sadly, “is unjust--undeserved. I serve the Queen honestly and loyally. To her I would willingly repeat what I here refuse to say.” “Do not be angry with me!” exclaimed Lord Ashley warmly, drawing nearer to her. “I meant no offense, but I was carried away by my feelings. It distresses me to see you--whose regard would do an emperor honor--place trust in and defend a renegade and traitor--a scoundrel who has been false to his King.” “Ah!” exclaimed Dorothy, shrinking back, “this is terrible! I have told you I do not believe--I do not believe!” “Listen, then,” cried Lord Ashley, pressing still nearer, “and learn now the full truth. He has been captured and is at this minute a prisoner--in close confinement--in the military quarters.” “Then,” exclaimed Dorothy with excitement, “he will have an opportunity of speaking for himself, and the truth will stand forth!” “He has spoken! The truth is out!” “What do you mean?” “He has confessed--confessed to his treason!” “Impossible--oh, impossible!” cried Dorothy distractedly. “I tell you it is so,” continued Lord Ashley vehemently, “and still more will I tell you. As a reward for this confession, which has implicated others and given the Government much valuable information, and also to save the Guards’ corps from the shame of having harbored a scoundrel and a traitor, he is not to be made to suffer the penalty of his crimes. I have permitted an arrangement to be made for his escape, and he has gladly acquiesced.”