The Waverley novels, by Sir Walter Scott, complete in 12 vol., printed from the latest English ed., embracing the author's last corrections, prefaces & notes.

THE FORTUNES OF NIGEL. 159
with whom the. perfidious traitor had to deal was too virtuous, moderate,
and cautious, to be caught in a snare so open. What did they next, but
turn his own moderation against him, and persuade others that, because he
would not become the prey of wolves, he herded with them for a share of
their booty! And, while this base Lord Dalgarno was thus undermining
his unsuspecting countryman, he took every measure to keep him surrounded by creatures of his own, to prevent him from attending Court, and
mixing with those of his proper rank. Since the Gunpowder treason there
never was a conspiracy more deeply laid, more basely and more deliberately pursued."
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
villany.
" 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. HIe 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. - Even
his taking temporary refuge in that base place, though from extreme necessitv, will be used to the farther defaming him. All this I know, and yet I
cannot rescue him -cannot rescue him save by your means."
" By my means, maiden!" said the lady -" you are beside yourself! -
What means can I possess in this secluded situation, of assisting this unfold
tunate nobleman?"
"You have means," said Margaret, eagerly; "you have those means,
unless I mistake greatly, which can do any thing —can do every thing, in
this city, in this world -you have wealth, and the command of a small
portion of it will enable me to extricate him from his present danger. He
will be enabled and directed how to make his escape - and I" - she
paused.
" Will accompany him, doubtless, and reap the fruits of your sage exertions in his behalf," said the Lady Hermione, ironically.
" May Heaven forgive you the unjust thought, lady," answered Margaret.
" I will never see him more- but I shall have saved him, and the thought
will make me happy."
"A cold conclusion to so bold and warm a flame," said the lady, with a
smile which seemed to intimate incredulity.
"It is, however, the only one which I expect, madam -I could almost