“I do not say these things--which I say for your ears alone here in private--to censure, or even criticize, the actions of His Majesty. It is not for a subject to question too narrowly the doings of his King, particularly when that King is a son concerned to avenge what he considers, rightly or wrongly, the murder of his father. I tell you all this solely that you may understand how, despite my ardent wish to help you, I dare not for your own sake help you in the way you desire, lest, by bringing you, directly or indirectly, under His Majesty’s notice, I should expose you to that vengeance which is not allowed to slumber. Your name is Randal Holles, and....” “I could change my name,” the Colonel cried, on a sudden inspiration, and waited breathlessly, whilst Albemarle considered. “There might still be some who knew you in the old days, who would be but too ready to expose the deception.” “I’ll take the risk of that.” Holles laughed in his eagerness, in his reaction from the hopelessness that had been settling upon him during Albemarle’s lengthy exposition. “I’ve lived on risks.” The Duke eyed him gravely. “And I?” he asked. “You?” “I should be a party to that deception....” “So much need not transpire. You can trust me not to allow it.” “But I should be a party none the less.” Albemarle was graver than ever, his accents more deliberate. Slowly the lines of Holles’s face returned to their habitual grim wistfulness. “You see?” said the Duke sadly. But Holles did not wish to see. He shifted restlessly in his chair, swinging at last to lean across the table towards the Duke. “But surely ... at such a time ... in the hour of England’s need ... with war impending, and experienced officers to seek ... surely, there would be some justification for....” Again Albemarle shook his head, his face grave and sad. “There can never be justification for deceit--for falsehood.” For a long moment they faced each other thus, Holles striving the while to keep the despair from his face. Then slowly the Colonel sank back into his chair. A moment he brooded, his eyes upon the polished floor, then, with a little sigh, a little shrug, a little upward throw of the hands, he reached for the hat that lay on the floor beside him. “In that case....” He paused to swallow something that threatened to mar the steadiness of his voice, “ ... it but remains for me to take my leave....” “No, no.” The Duke leaned across and set a restraining hand upon his visitor’s arm. “We part not thus, Randal.” Holles looked at him, still inwardly struggling to keep his self-control. He smiled a little, that sad irresistible smile of his. “You, sir, are a man overweighted with affairs; the burden of a state at war is on your shoulders, I....” “None the less you shall stay to dine.”