n, I
should laugh at his machinations; but he is an Italian, and has been a
conspirator. What he could do I know not; but an assassin can penetrate
into a camp, and a traitor can creep through closed walls to one's
hearth. With my mother, Violante must be safe; that you cannot oppose.
And why not come yourself?"

Riccabocca had no reply to these arguments, so far as they affected
Violante; indeed, they awakened the almost superstitious terror with
which he regarded his enemy, and he consented at once that Violante
should accept the invitation proffered. But he refused it for himself
and Jemima.

"To say truth," said he, simply, "I made a secret vow, on re-entering
England, that I would associate with none who knew the rank I had
formerly held in my own land. I felt that all my philosophy was needed
to reconcile and habituate myself to my altered circumstances. In order
to find in my present existence, however humble, those blessings which
make all life noble,--dignity and peace,--it was necessary for poor,
weak human nature wholly to dismiss the past. It would unsettle me
sadly, could I come to your house, renew awhile, in your kindness and
respect--nay, in the very atmosphere of your society--the sense of what
I have been; and then (should the more than doubtful chance of recall
from my exile fail me) to awake, and find myself for the rest of life
what I am. And though, were I alone, I might trust myself perhaps to the
danger, yet my wife: she is happy and contented now; would she be so,
if you had once spoiled her for the simple position of Dr. Riccabocca's
wife? Should I not have to listen to regrets and hopes and fears that
would prick sharp through my thin cloak of philosophy? Even as it is,
since in a moment of weakness I confided my secret to her, I have had
'my rank' thrown at me,--with a careless hand, it is true, but it hits
hard nevertheless. No stone hurts like one taken from the ruins of one's
own home; and the grander the home, why, the heavier the stone! Protect,
dear madam, protect my daughter, since her father doubts his own power
to do so. But--ask no more."

Riccabocca was immovable here; and the matter was settled as he decided,
it being agreed that Violante should be still styled but the daughter of
Dr. Riccabocca.

"And now, one word more," said Harley. "Do not confide to Mr. Leslie
these arrangements; do not let him know where Violante is placed,--at
least, until I authorize such confidence i