"No," said I, in my turn; and, indeed, I had not.
"He knows your record as an officer, and would give you a chance to 'list in your old service."
"I would not take it—at your hands or his."
"You'd best take it. But in any event, you'll have your life and honorable safe-conduct beyond the lines."
"Make an end," I said again. "I understand you will obey his Lordship's order, or disregard it, as your own interest directs. What would you have me do?"
"A very little thing to weigh against a life. Mr. Gilbert Stair is my very good friend."
I let that go uncontradicted.
"His title to the estate is secure enough, as you know, but you can make it better," he went on.
This saying of his told me what I had only guessed: that as yet he had not been admitted into Gilbert Stair's full confidence; also, that he had no hint of what had taken place in my chamber some hour or two past midnight. At that, a joy fierce like pain came to thrill me.
"Go on," said I.