e to hear what you have to say," I
answered. "But I will come to see you."

I left them there. As I went out she was gently countermanding his
order for more brandy.

CHAPTER XXXIII

THE DUKE'S MESSAGE

It was late, but I felt that I must see Ray. I went to his house,
little expecting to find him there. I was shown, however, into the
study, where he was hard at work with a pile of correspondence. He wore
an ancient shooting jacket, and his feet were encased in slippers. As
usual, his pipe was between his teeth, and the tobacco smoke hung about
him in little clouds.

"Well," he said gruffly. "What do you want of me? I am busy. Speak to
the point."

"I have come to ask your advice," I said. "I am afraid that I must
resign my post."

"Why?"

"My father is in London. I have seen and spoken with him."

"With that woman?"

"Yes."

"And you have spoken to him in a public place, perhaps?"

Ray was silent for a moment. Then he looked at me keenly.

"Do you want to give it up?" he asked.

"No," I answered. "But do you suppose Lord Chelsford and the others
would be willing for me to continue--under the circumstances?"

"Probably not," he admitted. "The Duke would not, at any rate."

"Then what am I to do?" I asked.

"I don't know!" he answered shortly. "It requires consideration. I
will see Lord Cheisford. You shall hear from me in the morning."

That was all the consolation I had from Colonel Mostyn Ray.

At ten o'clock the next morning the Duke came to me in the study, where
I was already at work. He was looking, even for him, particularly trim
and smart, and he wore a carefully-selected pink rosebud in his
buttonhole. His greeting was almost cordial. He gave me a few
instructions, and then lit a cigarette.

"What is this about your resignation, Ducaine?" he asked.

"I do not wish to resign, sir," I answered. "I have explained certain
circumstances to Colonel Ray, which it seemed to me might make my
resignation necessary. He promised to confer with Lord Cheisford, and
let me know the result."

The urbanity slowly faded from the Duke's face.

"I am your employer," he said coldly. "I do not understand why you
thought it necessary to go to Colonel Ray."

"It was entirely owing to Colonel Ray, sir," I answered, "that I
received the appointment, and he has practically made himself
responsible for me."

"You are mistaken," the Duke answered. "The responsibility is shared by
all of us. Your unfort