He shook hands with Claudius, and spoke rather coldly to Barker.

The latter was uneasy, and felt that he was in the way.

He was.

Barker had fallen into a singular error of judgment in regard to the relations existing between the Duke and Claudius.

He had imagined it in his power to influence the Duke's opinion, whereas in trying to effect that object he had roused the Englishman's animosity.