“As to that, I know not, my lord. I am a sailor. I have commanded my own ship and made my own fortune. I come back here between cruises because I am devoted to—�
“The woman!� sneered the duke, and I marveled at the temerity of the man, seeing that I could have choked him to death with one hand.
“Mention her name again,� I cried, “and you will lie beside your victim yonder!�
“Right,� said Luftdon approvingly.
“I come back here because I am fond of the old place. Lord Luftdon, it is my home. My people have served the Wilberforces for generations. Their forebears and mine lie together in the churchyard around the hill yonder. You can’t understand devotion like that,� said I, turning to the duke, “and ’tis not necessary that you should.�
“And indeed what is necessary for me, pray?� he sneered.
“That you and Lord Luftdon leave the place at once.�
“Without speech with my lady?�
“Without speech with anyone. There is a good inn at the village. I will take it upon myself to see that your servants pack your mails and follow you there at once.�
“I will not be ordered about like this,� protested the duke blusteringly.