If you wish it so I will keep the secret in my breast; but if you fear aught from him I will openly accuse him before the king of the crime he attempted, and shall be ready to meet him in the ordeal of battle should he claim it." "I have seen Sir James," Lady Vernon said.

"I had a letter writ in a feigned hand telling him that his handiwork in the plot against my life was known, and warning him that, unless he left England, the proofs thereof would be laid before justice.

He at once sailed for Spain, whence, he has returned but a few days since.

He does not know for certain that I am aware of his plottings against us; but he must have seen by my reception of him when he called that I no longer regard him with the friendship which I formerly entertained.

I have received a message from him that he will call upon me this evening, and that he trusts he will find me alone, as he would fain confer with me on private matters.