“A man’s character and reputation and life may too easily be whispered away in these evil times.  But listen to me, Cuthbert Trevlyn, and all may yet be well.  Thou hast been noted, spied upon, observed.  There be those who have seen thee in strange places and strange company, and it behoves thee to look well to thyself.  But for thy kinsmen, methinks that no whisper regarding them has as yet reached high quarters.  As thou sayest, Sir Richard’s loyalty is known, and men will not easily believe such ill of him.  Yet he were best to be gone.  Miriam is at work.  Miriam has tools that even I wot not of, and she hates the head of Trevlyn’s house with a bitter and undying hatred.  Let but this thing be known—­as known it will be to all the world in a few more days—­and she will leave no stone unturned to overwhelm him in the ruin that must then fall upon so many.  Vengeance such as that would be dear to her heart.  She would weave her web right skilfully to entrap his unsuspecting steps.  Wherefore let him begone—­let all who bear the name of Trevlyn begone, and that right speedily.  Flight will not be thought flight now; for this thing is as yet a profound secret, and thou must not breathe a word that I have spoken to thee abroad, else thou mayest do harm of which thou little reckest.  Let him go speedily; and go thou likewise, and do not tarry.  If thou wouldst undo the harm thy rashness has well-nigh brought to thy kinsfolk, carry them this warning, and make them listen.”

“That will I do right speedily,” answered Cuthbert, whose heart was beating high with excitement and agitation.  “Did harm befall them through deed of mine, I should never forgive myself.”

“Go then,” answered Esther; “go, and be thou cautious and wary.  Remember thou hast many foes, and that the hour of peril darkens over this land.  Strange things will be heard and seen ere many days have passed.  Take heed that thou be far away from hence ere the day of reckoning comes.  Take heed that Miriam’s vow of vengeance be not accomplished, and that the house of Trevlyn be drawn into the vortex!”

Cuthbert descended the stairs with uncertain steps, his mind in a whirl of conflicting feelings.  He believed that Esther was sincere in her desire for the welfare of the house of Trevlyn.  He trusted her, and he saw that she had in some way or another become possessed of information concerning himself of a very particular and intimate kind.  This being so, it was easy to believe that she had discovered other matters of hidden import; and he was quite disposed to give her credit for dealings in magic and charms which should show her the things that were to be.