"It is but the poor expression of what I think and feel." And so he took his leave of them, escorted by Colonel Grant, who discreetly volunteered for the office.
Left alone with Wellington, Sir Terence heaved a great sigh of supreme relief.
"In my wife's name, sir, I should like to thank you.

But she shall thank you herself for what you have done for me." "What I have done for you, O'Moy ?" Wellington's slight figure stiffened perceptibly, his face and glance were cold and haughty.

"You mistake, I think, or else you did not hear.

What I have done, I have done solely upon grounds of political expediency.

I had no choice in the matter, and it was not to favour you, or out of disregard for my duty, as you seem to imagine, that I acted as I did." O'Moy bowed his head, crushed under that rebuff.