Buchanan was inexorable. He left her.—He fled.—She followed, clinging to him, to the door.—She held his hand to her bosom: she clasped it in agony. He fled: and she fell senseless before him. Still he paused not; but rushing from her presence, sought Viviani, who had promised to meet him in the forest. To his infinite surprise, in his place he met Glenarvon. “The Italian will not venture here,” said the latter; “but I know all. Has she confessed?” “She denies every syllable of the accusation,” said Buchanan; “and in a manner so firm, so convincing, that it has made me doubt. If what he has written is false, this monster, this Viviani, shall deeply answer for it. I must have proof—instant, positive proof. Who is this Viviani? Wherefore did he seek me by mysterious letters and messages, if he dares not meet me face to face? I will have proof.” “It will be difficult to obtain positive proof,” said Glenarvon. “La Crusca, who alone knows, besides myself and Viviani, this horrid secret is under the protection of my cousin de Ruthven. How far he is acquainted with the murder I know not; but he fears me, and he dares not openly oppose me. Lady Margaret has proved her innocence to him likewise,” he continued smiling bitterly; “but there is yet one other witness.”—“Who, where?” “The boy himself.” “Perhaps this is all a plot to ruin my wretched mother,” said Buchanan. “I shall have it brought to light.” “And your mother publicly exposed?” “If she is guilty, let her be brought to shame.” “And yourself to ruin,” said Glenarvon. “To ruin unutterable.” They arrived at Belfont, whilst thus conversing. The evening was dark. They had taken a room at the inn. Glenarvon enquired of some around him, if Colonel St. Alvin were at the abbey. He was informed that he was at Colwood Bay. “Ask them now,” said Glenarvon in a whisper, “concerning me.” Buchanan did so, and heard that Lord Glenarvon had taken ship for England that morning, had abandoned his followers, and received a bribe for his treachery from the English court. The people spoke of him with much execration. Glenarvon smiling at their warmth: “This was your idol yesterday: to-morrow,” he continued, “I will give you another.” As soon as Buchanan had retired to his room, as he said, to repose himself, for he had not closed his eyes since he had left England, his companion, wrapping himself within his cloak, stole out unperceived from the inn, and walked to St. Alvin Priory. CHAPTER XCVI.