After a pause, in which some perplexity was visible, he answered: I scarcely know what to say.

As to promises, I claim them not from you.
We are now arrived at a point, in which it is necessary to look around with caution, and that consequences should be fully known.

A number of persons are leagued together for an end of some moment.

To make yourself one of these is submitted to your choice.

Among the conditions of their alliance are mutual fidelity and secrecy.
Their existence depends upon this: their existence is known only to themselves.