"I am ready to depart upon half-an-hour's notice." "This night, then," said the Countess, after a moment's pause--"this night I will arrange the most secret means of carrying your generous project into effect; for I would not excite that prejudice against you, which will instantly arise, were it known you had so lately left this island, and its Popish lady.

You will do well, perhaps, to use a feigned name in London." "Pardon me, madam," said Julian; "I will do nothing that can draw on me unnecessary attention; but to bear a feigned name, or affect any disguise beyond living with extreme privacy, would, I think, be unwise as well as unworthy; and what, if challenged, I might find some difficulty in assigning a reason for, consistent with perfect fairness of intentions." "I believe you are right," answered the Countess, after a moment's consideration; and then added, "You propose, doubtless, to pass through Derbyshire, and visit Martindale Castle ?" "I should wish it, madam, certainly," replied Peveril, "did time permit, and circumstances render it advisable." "Of that," said the Countess, "you must yourself judge.

Despatch is, doubtless, desirable; on the other hand, arriving from your own family-seat, you will be less an object of doubt and suspicion, than if you posted up from hence, without even visiting your parents.

You must be guided in this,--in all,--by your own prudence.

Go, my dearest son--for to me you should be dear as a son--go, and prepare for your journey.