But Purceville only smiled blithely. “Splendid!” he cried, as if the remark could not possibly have been directed at him. He drained his goblet with a flourish, then crashed it gaily back down onto the table. Anyone who did not know him well (and there were many present who did not), might have thought him too deep in his cups.
“Well, my friends,” he said, a bit unsteadily. “It has been a lovely evening. But sadly, all things must come to an end.....
“For now there is work to be done. In the name of that same truth which the Earl so eloquently serves, he and I must be off on an errand of our own. We are going to interview a lady.” And he raised his eyebrows suggestively, the very portrait of a man who had lost all restraint. “Lieutenant Ballard will accompany me, as my faithful right hand in all things. But perhaps Earl Arthur would feel more secure with a somewhat larger retinue?” Again (to Arthur) the underlying insult, the slur against his courage and character.
“My orderly officer will be more than sufficient escort for me,” returned the Secretary. “To record the events of our interview. For I am sure that I will have nothing to fear, once the truth is known.”
“Bravo,” said the larger man heartily. “Your strength and vitality are an inspiration to us all. Now gentlemen, if you will excuse us.”
Purceville himself led the way, as the four-man procession filed out of the room, leaving behind the light and heat of the banquet hall. And on toward the back reaches of the Castle.
“I’m afraid it’s rather a long way,” he said, as they turned the first corner. “Perhaps the Earl might care to take a short rest?”
“Your audience is gone, Purceville. This is between you and me. I may not be as young as you; but by God I’d walk to the ends of the earth tonight!”
“Of course.” And after a time. “One last corridor.”
When they reached the massive Tower door, Ballard drew out his ring of keys. Inserting the largest, he turned it roughly in the lock, then pushed in on the heavy oak barrier with a groan of iron hinges. A dark opening awaited them.