Manners interrupted me when I gave the order and offered me a cigarro which I gladly accepted.
Despite my effort to reassure myself, I could not quite throw off a feeling of uneasiness whenever I thought of the manner in which I had betrayed to Sir John the fact that I was a friend to Mary Stuart.

I knew that treachery was not native to English blood, and my knowledge of mankind had told me that the vice could not live in Sir John Manners's heart.

But he had told me of his residence at the court of Elizabeth, and I feared trouble might come to me from the possession of so dangerous a piece of knowledge by an enemy of my house.
I did not speak my thoughts upon the matter, and we sat the evening through discussing many subjects.

We warmed toward each other and became quite confidential.

I feel ashamed when I admit that one of my many sins was an excessive indulgence in wine.