He knows not the sound of my voice--and all that I have risked,
and must yet risk, I am doing for one, who, were he asked the
question, would say he has long since forgotten that he ever saw,
spoke to, or sat beside, a creature of so little signification as I
am."
"This is a strange and unreasonable indulgence of a passion equally
fanciful and dangerous," said Lady Hermione. "You will _not_ assist
me, then?" said Margaret; "have good-day, then, madam--my secret, I
trust, is safe in such honourable keeping."
"Tarry yet a little," said the lady, "and tell me what resource you
have to assist this youth, if you were supplied with money to put it
in motion."
"It is superfluous to ask me the question, madam," answered Margaret,
"unless you purpose to assist me; and, if you do so purpose, it is
still superfluous. You could not understand the means I must use, and
time is too brief to explain."
"But have you in reality such means?" said the lady.
"I have, with the command of a moderate sum," answered Margaret
Ramsay, "the power of baffling all his enemies--of eluding the passion
of the irritated king--the colder but more determined displeasure of
the prince--the vindictive spirit of Buckingham, so hastily directed
against whomsoever crosses the path of his ambition--the cold
concentrated malice of Lord Dalgarno--all, I can baffle them all!"
"But is this to be done without your own personal risk, Margaret?"
replied the lady; "for, be your purpose what it will, you are not to
peril your own reputation or person, in the romantic attempt of
serving another; and I, maiden, am answerable to your godfather,--to
your benefactor, and my own,--not to aid you in any dangerous or
unworthy enterprise.
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