Musk sat silent for some time. His eyes seemed smaller. But they had not moved.
"That would be a wonderful good action on your part, Sir Wilton," he said at last.
"Not at all, Musk. I should be doing it for the people, not for Mr. Carlton."
Another pause.
"And yet, Sir Wilton, in a manner o' speaking, you might say as he deserved it, too?"
Sir Wilton was quite himself again—a gentleman in keeping with the flower in his coat.
"I certainly never expected to hear you say so, Musk," said he frankly; "though it's what I've sometimes thought myself."
"I haven't said as I forgave him, have I?"
"No, no, Musk, you haven't; it is not in human nature that you could."
It was a strange tongue that had spoken in the massive head; there was no forgiveness in that voice. Yet in the next breath the note of hate was hushed as suddenly as it had been struck.