"You are right, Richard," replied Mistress Nutter; "the thing is impossible; but the accusation will find easy credence among the superstitious household here, and may be highly prejudicial, if not fatal to poor Alizon. It is most unlucky she should have gone out in this way, for the circumstance cannot be explained, and in itself serves to throw suspicion upon her." "I must see Dorothy before I go," said Richard; "perhaps I may be able to soothe her." "It was for that end I came hither," replied Mistress Nutter; "but I thought it well you should be prepared. Now come with me." Upon this they left the hall together, and proceeded to the abbot's chamber, where Dorothy was lodged. Richard was greatly shocked at the sight of his sister, so utterly changed was she from the blithe being of yesterday--then so full of health and happiness. Her cheeks burnt with fever, her eyes were unnaturally bright, and her fair hair hung about her face in disorder. She kept fast hold of Alizon, who stood beside her. "Ah, Richard!" she cried on seeing him, "I am glad you are come. You will persuade this girl to restore me to reason--to free me from the terrors that beset me. She can do so if she will." "Calm yourself, dear sister," said Richard, gently endeavouring to free Alizon from her grasp. "No, do not take her from me," said Dorothy, wildly; "I am better when she is near me--much better. My brow does not throb so violently, and my limbs are not twisted so painfully. Do you know what ails me, Richard?" "You have caught cold from wandering out indiscreetly last night," said Richard. "I am bewitched!" rejoined Dorothy, in tones that pierced her brother's brain--"bewitched by Alizon Device--by your love--ha! ha! She wishes to kill me, Richard, because she thinks I am in her way. But you will not let her do it." "You are mistaken, dear Dorothy. She means you no harm," said Richard. "Heaven knows how much I grieve for her, and how fondly I love her!" exclaimed Alizon, tearfully. "It is false!" cried Dorothy. "She will tell a different tale when you are gone. She is a witch, and you shall never marry her, Richard--never!--never!" Mistress Nutter, who stood at a little distance, anxiously observing what was passing, waved her hand several times towards the sufferer, but without effect. "I have no influence over her," she muttered. "She is really bewitched. I must find other means to quieten her." Though both greatly distressed, Alizon and Richard redoubled their attentions to the poor sufferer. For a few moments she remained quiet, but with her eyes constantly fixed on Alizon, and then said, quickly and fiercely, "I have been told, if you scratch one who has bewitched you till you draw blood, you will be cured. I will plunge my nails in her flesh."