"
"Depend upon my word,--my oath,--dearest lady," replied the
supplicant, "that I will act by the agency of others, and do not
myself design to mingle in any enterprise in which my appearance might
be either perilous or unwomanly."
"I know not what to do," said the Lady Hermione; "it is perhaps
incautious and inconsiderate in me to aid so wild a project; yet the
end seems honourable, if the means be sure--what is the penalty if he
fall into their power?"
"Alas, alas! the loss of his right hand!" replied Margaret, her voice
almost stifled with sobs.
"Are the laws of England so cruel? Then there is mercy in heaven
alone," said the lady, "since, even in this free land, men are wolves
to each other.--Compose yourself, Margaret, and tell me what money is
necessary to secure Lord Glenvarloch's escape."
"Two hundred pieces," replied Margaret; "I would speak to you of
restoring them--and I must one day have the power--only that I know--
that is, I think--your ladyship is indifferent on that score."
"Not a word more of it," said the lady; "call Monna Paula hither."
CHAPTER XX
Credit me, friend, it hath been ever thus,
Since the ark rested on Mount Ararat.
False man hath sworn, and woman hath believed--
Repented and reproach'd, and then believed once more.
_The New World._
By the time that Margaret returned with Monna Paula, the Lady Hermione
was rising from the table at which she had been engaged in writing
something on a small slip of paper, which she gave to her attendant.
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