Page:Glenarvon (Volume 3).djvu/231

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This is written by the most guilty and miserable servant of the Duke of Altamonte.

"Andrew Macpherson."

"Thanks be to God," cried the duke, "my sister is innocent; and the meaning of this will be soon explained." The remainder of the packet consisted of letters—many of them in the hand-writing of Lady Margaret, many in that of Glenarvon: some were dated Naples, and consisted of violent professions of love: the letters of a later date contained for the most part asseverations of innocence, and entreaties for secrecy and silence: and though worded with caution, continually alluded to some youthful boy, and to injuries and cruelties with which the duke was entirely unacquainted. In addition to these extraordinary papers, there were many of a treasonable nature, signed by the most considerable landholders and tenantry in the country.