"I do not think that I shall care to hear what you have to say," I answered. "But I will come to see you." I left them there. As I went out she was gently countermanding his order for more brandy. CHAPTER XXXIII THE DUKE'S MESSAGE It was late, but I felt that I must see Ray. I went to his house, little expecting to find him there. I was shown, however, into the study, where he was hard at work with a pile of correspondence. He wore an ancient shooting jacket, and his feet were encased in slippers. As usual, his pipe was between his teeth, and the tobacco smoke hung about him in little clouds. "Well," he said gruffly. "What do you want of me? I am busy. Speak to the point." "I have come to ask your advice," I said. "I am afraid that I must resign my post." "Why?" "My father is in London. I have seen and spoken with him." "With that woman?" "Yes." "And you have spoken to him in a public place, perhaps?" Ray was silent for a moment. Then he looked at me keenly. "Do you want to give it up?" he asked. "No," I answered. "But do you suppose Lord Chelsford and the others would be willing for me to continue--under the circumstances?" "Probably not," he admitted. "The Duke would not, at any rate." "Then what am I to do?" I asked. "I don't know!" he answered shortly. "It requires consideration. I will see Lord Chelsford. You shall hear from me in the morning." That was all the consolation I had from Colonel Mostyn Ray. At ten o'clock the next morning the Duke came to me in the study, where I was already at work. He was looking, even for him, particularly trim and smart, and he wore a carefully-selected pink rosebud in his buttonhole. His greeting was almost cordial. He gave me a few instructions, and then lit a cigarette. "What is this about your resignation, Ducaine?" he asked. "I do not wish to resign, sir," I answered. "I have explained certain circumstances to Colonel Ray, which it seemed to me might make my resignation necessary. He promised to confer with Lord Chelsford, and let me know the result." The urbanity slowly faded from the Duke's face. "I am your employer," he said coldly. "I do not understand why you thought it necessary to go to Colonel Ray." "It was entirely owing to Colonel Ray, sir," I answered, "that I received the appointment, and he has practically made himself responsible for me." "You are mistaken," the Duke answered. "The responsibility is shared by all of us. Your unfortunate family history was known to the whole Board." "Then I am less indebted to Colonel Ray, sir, than I imagined," I answered. "I am very glad, however, that it is known. Perhaps Lord Chelsford may not consider my resignation necessary?" "The circumstances being--?" "I have seen and spoken with my father in London," I answered. The Duke was silent. "I presume," he said, after a short pause, "that you must yourself realize the indiscretion of this." "I went at once to Colonel Ray and offered my resignation," I answered.