"
The lady smiled sadly at Margaret's vehemence, but sighed the next
moment, while she told her young friend how little she knew the world
she was about to live in, since she testified so much surprise at
finding it full of villainy.
"But by what means," she added, "could you, maiden, become possessed
of the secret views of a man so cautious as Lord Dalgarno--as villains
in general are?"
"Permit me to be silent on that subject," said the maiden; "I could
not tell you without betraying others--let it suffice that my tidings
are as certain as the means by which I acquired them are secret and
sure. But I must not tell them even to you."
"You are too bold, Margaret," said the lady, "to traffic in such
matters at your early age. It is not only dangerous, but even
unbecoming and unmaidenly."
"I knew you would say that also," said Margaret, with more meekness
and patience than she usually showed on receiving reproof; "but, God
knows, my heart acquits me of every other feeling save that of the
wish to assist this most innocent and betrayed man.--I contrived to
send him warning of his friend's falsehood;--alas! my care has only
hastened his utter ruin, unless speedy aid be found. He charged his
false friend with treachery, and drew on him in the Park, and is now
liable to the fatal penalty due for breach of privilege of the king's
palace."
"This is indeed an extraordinary tale," said Hermione; "is Lord
Glenvarloch then in prison?"
"No, madam, thank God, but in the Sanctuary at Whitefriars--it is
matter of doubt whether it will protect him in such a case--they speak
of a warrant from the Lord Chief Justice--A gentleman of the temple
has been arrested, and is in trouble for having assisted him in his
flight.
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