If your Excellency will give yourself the trouble of taking the sense of your Council upon this, we may then reach a settlement." The grave anxiety of Dom Miguel's countenance was instantly dispelled.
In his relief he permitted himself a smile.
"My lord, there is not the need to take the sense of the Council.
The Council has given me carte blanche to obtain your consent to a suppression of the Samoval affair.

And without hesitation I accept the further condition that you make.

Sir Terence may consider himself relieved of his parole in the matter of Lieutenant Butler." "Then we may look upon the matter as concluded." "As happily concluded, my lord." Dom Miguel rose to make his valedictory oration.

"It remains for me only to thank your lordship in the name of the Council for the courtesy and consideration with which you have received my proposal and granted our petition.

Acquainted as I am with the crystalline course of British justice, knowing as I do how it seeks ever to act in the full light of day, I am profoundly sensible of the cost to your lordship of the concession you make to the feelings of the Samoval family and the Portuguese Government, and I can assure you that they will be accordingly grateful." "That is very gracefully said, Dom Miguel," replied his lordship, rising also.
The Secretary placed a hand upon his heart, bowing.