For he himself, in one of those sudden fits of alarm which formed the cause in him of so much double-dealing, had intrigued secretly with Monmouth, and the haunting fear of discovery had sent him down into the west like a savage beast of prey, panting to sweep from sight all traces of rebellion, striving to prove, by the very ferocity of his judgments, his loyalty to the King and his repugnance of the course of his enemies. So he was driven, by the very desperation of his ambition, to win for himself a hatred and contempt that almost broke his heart. And to-night, as he sat alone, he wondered wearily whether the struggle was worth the torture it created, and his heart cried to him to give up the contest, resign his office, and in retirement find rest for his suffering body, and peace for his weary soul. So spake his heart, and he longed for determination to follow its dictates. Yet he knew too well the while that peace was not for him, for the curse of Lucifer was upon him, and so long as there remained power to strive for, or enemies to overthrow, so long must he struggle on in misery, until death should bring to him the only rest such as he may ever know. He was interrupted in his musings by the entrance of his secretary, Master Stephen Jewars. Perturbed and anxious the man hurried into the room, and after a moment’s pause advanced to his master’s side. "My lord," he began nervously, "there is an officer without, asking to see your lordship." Jeffreys moved impatiently. "Not to-night, Jewars," he said sharply; "I will see no one to-night. His business will wait." "Pardon, my lord, even so I answered him, but he declares his business will not wait. Moreover, ’tis a matter of the most absolute importance, so he states, that he see you." "Devil take you!" cried Jeffreys angrily. "Why, fellow, have you not heard the same tale ten thousand times of late? ’Tis another o’ these petitioners, I’ll warrant. I will not see him." A moment the secretary hesitated. Then he stooped over his master and said in a low, cautious tone: "My lord, it may be I am mistaken, but—methinks the man knows something." Jeffreys started. "What mean you, fellow?" he asked quickly. "What does he say?" "Nay, my lord, ’tis mostly by his manner I judge it, for he demands to see your lordship as tho’ ’tis nought to him yet for your sake ’twere wise. And then also his words—for he claims to have information concerning an intrigue with the late Duke, an intrigue which may not astonish your lordship as much as most folk, yet ’twill be of greater moment to your lordship to be the first to hear on’t." "Tut!" cried Jeffreys nervously. "Any man might say that." "Aye, my lord, any man might say it, but an I be any judge of men, this man hath meaning in his words." Jeffreys was silent.