That the Duke's pallor and wretched appearance gave rise to suspicion in other minds is equally certain; the more hardy of those present, such as my Lord Marlborough and the Admiral, being aware that nothing short of guilt, and the immediate prospect of detection, could so change themselves. And while some felt a kind of admiration, as they conned and measured the stupendous edifice of skilful deceit, which my lord had so long and perfectly concealed behind a front of brass, as to take in all the world, others were already busied with the effect it would have on the party, and how this might be softened, and that explained, and in a word another man substituted with as little shock as possible for this man. Nor were these emotions at all weakened when my lord, after saluting the King, took his seat, without speaking or meeting the general gaze. "Now, sir," said the King impatiently, when all was quiet again, "the Duke is here. Proceed." "I will," Sir John answered with greater hardiness than he had yet used, "I have simply to repeat to his face what I have said behind his back: that on the 10th of last June, in the evening, he met me at Ashford, in Kent, and gave me a ring and a message, bidding me carry both with me to St. Germain's." My lord looked slowly round the table; then at Sir John. And it startled some to see that he had compassion in his face. "Sir John," he said--after, as it seemed, weighing the words he was about to speak, "you are in such a position, it were barbarous to insult you. But you must needs, as you have accused me before His Majesty and these gentlemen, hear me state, also before them, that there is not a word of truth in what you say." Sir John stared at him and breathed hard. "_Mon dieu!_" he exclaimed at length. And his voice sounded sincere. "I was not at Ashford on the 10th of June," the Duke continued with dignity, "or on any day in that month. I never saw you there, and I gave you no ring." "_Mon Dieu!_" Sir John muttered again; and, his gaze fallen, he seemed to be unable to take his eyes off the other. Now it is certain that whatever the majority of those present thought of this--and the demeanour of the two men was so steadfast that even Lord Marlborough's acumen was at fault--the King's main anxiety was to be rid of the matter, and with some impatience he tried to put a stop to it at this point. "Is it worth while to carry this farther, my lords?" he said, fretfully. "We know our friends. We know our enemies also. This is a story _pour rire_, and deserving only of contempt."