We are not even ashamed to admit that we fear his luck, his impudence and his marvellous ingenuity....

Have I not told you that I have the greatest possible respect for that mysterious English hero....
An old priest and two young children might be spirited away by that enigmatical adventurer, even whilst Lady Blakeney herself is made to vanish from our sight." "Ah! I see your ladyship is taking my simple words as a confession of weakness," he continued, noting the swift sigh of hope which had involuntarily escaped her lips.

"Nay! and it please you, you shall despise me for it.

But a confession of weakness is the first sign of strength.

The Scarlet Pimpernel is still at large, and whilst we guard our hostage securely, he is bound to fall into our hands." "Aye! still at large!" she retorted with impulsive defiance.