I have extorted a promise to this effect from my own son.

I told him my object, and that if he did not make your fortune, I could ruin him by revealing myself.

I may, perhaps, pay the penalty of my crime on the scaffold; but I may also escape.

In the latter case, my reappearance would be fatal to him.

He has consented to cooperate with me, to watch over your fortunes, and, as soon as you have attained sufficient eminence, to bestow his sister upon you.