But the fact remains that you have done your work faithfully, and the Council is satisfied with your services.

That being so, you may rely upon it that any feeling I may have in the matter I shall keep to myself." I would have expressed my gratitude to him, but he checked me.
"There is," he said, "one other, a more personal matter, concerning which I desired a few words with you.

I have had a visit from a relative of yours who is also an old friend of my own.

I refer to Sir Michael Trogoldy." I looked at him in amazement.

I was, in fact, so surprised that I said nothing at all.
"Sir Michael, it seems, has been making inquiries about you, and learned of your present position," the Duke continued.