But if I am the reproach of that ancient and honourable house--untarnished by any other member of it--I am also its avenger, and will wipe out effectually the stains you have cast upon it.

By your machinations, villain, was my brother destroyed--by your machinations has his son been imprisoned, and his life endangered--by your machinations I myself was censured by the terrible Star-Chamber, and its severest punishments inflicted upon me.

You knew not whom you tortured; and had you been aware of my real name, even this wrong might not have contented you.

But no matter.

From the hour when the tormentor, by your order, did his work upon me, I devoted myself to vengeance--slow, sure vengeance.