“My gracious and much injured patron, Lord Glenarvon’s departure, whilst it leaves me again unprotected, leaves me also at liberty to act as I think right. Supported by the kindness of Colonel de Ruthven, I am emboldened now to ask an immediate audience with the Duke of Altamonte. Circumstances preclude my venturing to the castle:—the enemy of my life is in wait for me—The Count Viviani and his agents watch for me by night and by day. Lady Margaret Buchanan, with Lord Glenarvon’s assistance, has rescued the young Marquis of Delaval from his perfidious hands; but we have been long obliged to keep him a close prisoner at Belfont Abbey, in order to preserve him from his persecutors. My Lord Glenarvon sailed yesternoon, and commended myself and the marquis to the colonel’s care. We were removed last night from St. Alvin’s to Colwood Bay, where we await in anxious hope of being admitted into the Duke of Altamonte’s presence. This is written by the most guilty and miserable servant of the Duke of Altamonte. “ANDREW MACPHERSON.” “Thanks be to God,” cried the duke, “my sister is innocent; and the meaning of this will be soon explained.” The remainder of the packet consisted of letters—many of them in the hand-writing of Lady Margaret, many in that of Glenarvon: some were dated Naples, and consisted of violent professions of love: the letters of a later date contained for the most part asseverations of innocence, and entreaties for secrecy and silence: and though worded with caution, continually alluded to some youthful boy, and to injuries and cruelties with which the duke was entirely unacquainted. In addition to these extraordinary papers, there were many of a treasonable nature, signed by the most considerable landholders and tenantry in the country. But that which most of all excited the duke’s curiosity, was a paper addressed to himself in Italian, imploring him, as he valued the prosperity of his family, and every future hope, not to attend to the words of Macpherson, who was in the pay of Lord Glenarvon, and acting under his commands; but to hasten to St. Alvin’s Priory, when a tale of horror should be disclosed to his wondering ears, and a treasure of inconceivable value be replaced in his hands. CHAPTER XCVII.