Sir Terence himself remained standing with his shoulders to the overmantel, whence he faced them both as well as Grant, who, according to his self-effacing habit, remained in the background by the window.
"I have sought you," began Dom Miguel, stroking his square chin, "on a matter concerned with the late Count Samoval, immediately upon hearing that the court-martial pronounced the acquittal of Captain Tremayne." His lordship frowned, and his eagle glance fastened upon the Secretary's face.
"I trust, sir, you have not come to question the finding of the court-martial." "Oh, on the contrary--on the contrary!" Dom Miguel was emphatic.

"I represent not only the Council, but the Samoval family as well.

Both realise that it is perhaps fortunate for all concerned that in arresting Captain Tremayne the military authorities arrested the wrong man, and both have reason to dread the arrest of the right one." He paused, and the frown deepened between Wellington's brows.
"I am afraid," he said slowly, "that I do not quite perceive their concern in this matter." "But is it not clear ?" cried Dom Miguel.
"If it were I should perceive it," said his lordship dryly.
"Ah, but let me explain, then.

A further investigation of the manner in which Count Samoval met his death can hardly fail to bring to light the deplorable practices in which he was engaged; for no doubt Colonel Grant, here, would consider it his duty in the interests of justice to place before the court the documents found upon the Count's dead body.
If I may permit myself an observation," he continued, looking round at Colonel Grant, "it is that I do not quite understand how this has not already happened." There was a pause in which Grant looked at Wellington as if for direction.

But his lordship himself assumed the burden of the answer.
"It was not considered expedient in the public interest to do so at present," he said.