And she continued her gestures, while the sufferings of the old hag evidently increased, and she crouched nearer and nearer to the ground, moaning out the words, "Do not force me to speak. You will repent it!--you will repent it!" "Do not torment her thus, madam," cried Alizon, who with Dorothy looked at the strange scene with mingled apprehension and wonderment. "Much as I desire to know the secret of my birth, I would not obtain it thus." As she uttered these words, the old woman contrived to shuffle off, and disappeared behind the tomb. "Why did you interpose, Alizon," cried Mistress Nutter, somewhat angrily, and dropping her hands. "You broke the power I had over her. I would have compelled her to speak." "I thank you, gracious lady, for your consideration," replied Alizon, gratefully; "but the sight was too painful." "What has become of her--where is she gone?" cried Dorothy, peeping behind the tomb. "She has crept into this vault, I suppose." "Do not trouble yourelf about her more, Dorothy," said Mistress Nutter, resuming her wonted voice and wonted looks. "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.