"La Crusca, who alone knows, besides myself and Viviani, this horrid secret is under the protection of my cousin de Ruthven. How far he is acquainted with the murder I know not; but he fears me, and he dares not openly oppose me. Lady Margaret has proved her innocence to him likewise," he continued smiling bitterly; "but there is yet one other witness."—"Who, where?" "The boy himself." "Perhaps this is all a plot to ruin my wretched mother," said Buchanan. "I shall have it brought to light." "And your mother publicly exposed?" "If she is guilty, let her be brought to shame." "And yourself to ruin," said Glenarvon. "To ruin unutterable."
They arrived at Belfont, whilst thus conversing. The evening was dark. They had taken a room at the inn. Glenarvon enquired of some around him, if Colonel St. Alvin were at the abbey. He was informed that he was
