Can the reader guess? Probably, or he has read our tale to little purpose.
Osric knows it is coming. He braces himself for the interview. He prays for support and wisdom.
The door opens—Brian enters.
He stands still, and gazes upon Osric for full five minutes ere he speaks.
"Osric, what means this?"
"I have but done my duty. Pardon me, my lord, but the truth must be spoken now."
"Thy duty! to break thy faith?"
"To man but not to God."
"Osric, what causes this change? I trusted thee, I loved thee, as never I loved youth before. Thou hast robbed me of my confidence in man."