It makes me laugh, Malcolm--although I am sore at heart for Dorothy's sake--it makes me laugh, with a touch of tears, when I think of poor simple Dorothy's many little artifices to gain possession of this key.

They are amusing and pathetic.

Poor child! But I am too old to be duped by a girl, Malcolm, I am too old.

She has no chance to escape." I said to myself: "No one has ever become too old to be duped by a girl who is in love.

Her wits grow keen as the otter's fur grows thick for the winter's need.