bjects of interest to him, and I, although
every moment my bewilderment increased, answered him with the obedience
of a schoolboy.

It came to an end at last. I found myself confronted with a question
which, if I had answered it truthfully, must have disclosed my penniless
condition. I rose instead to my feet.

"Your Grace will excuse me," I said, "but I am taking up too much of
your time. It is not possible that these small personal details can be
of any interest to you."

He waved me back to my chair, which I did not, however, immediately
resume. I was not in the least offended. The Duke's manner throughout,
and the framing of his questions, had been too tactful to awaken any
resentment. But I had no fancy for exposing my ill-luck and
friendless state to any one. I was democrat enough to feel that a
cross-examination which would have been impertinent in anybody else was
becoming a little too personal even from the Duke of Rowchester.

"Sit down, Mr. Ducaine," he said. "I do not blame you for resenting
what seems to be curiosity, but you must take my word for it that it is
nothing of the sort. I can perhaps explain myself better by asking you
still another sort of question. Are you in a position to accept a post
of some importance?"

I looked at him in surprise, as well I might.

"Sit down, Mr. Ducaine," he repeated. "I have said enough, I hope, to
prove that I am not trifling with you."

"You have managed, at any rate, to surprise me very much, your Grace," I
said. "I am eager to receive employment of any sort. May I ask what it
was that you had in view?"

He shook his head slowly.

"I cannot tell you to-day," he said. "It is a matter upon which I
should have to consult others."

A sudden thought struck me.

"May I ask at whose suggestion you thought of me?" I asked.

"It was Colonel Ray who pointed out certain necessary qualifications
which you possess," the Duke answered. "I shall report to him, and to
some others, the result of our conversation, and I presume you have no
objection to my making such inquiries as I think necessary concerning
you?"

"None whatever," I answered.

The Duke rose to his feet. I took up my cap.

"If Colonel Ray is in," I said, "and it is not inconvenient, I should be
glad to see him for a moment."

"Colonel Ray left unexpectedly by the first train this morning," the
Duke answered, looking at me keenly.

I gave no sign, but my heart sank.

"If it is anything importa