Next to Esmo and his son, the husband of his daughter is, perhaps, in as much peril as any one.

No open attempt on your life will be adventured at present, while you retain the favour of the Campta.

But you have made at least one mortal and powerful enemy, and you may possibly be the object of well-considered and persistent schemes of assassination.

On the other hand, next to our Chief and his son, you have a paramount claim on the protection of the Order; and those who with me will take charge of your affairs have also charge to watch vigilantly over your life.

If you will trust me beforehand with knowledge of all your movements, I think your chief peril will lie in the one sphere upon which we cannot intrude--your own household; and Clavelta directs your own special attention to this quarter.