"You know nothing against me," said Rob, gaining courage.
"But we 'ave a vitness who does," said the Duke.
Then rising, he opened a little door that lay behind his chair, and stood to one side to let some one pass into the room.
And very slowly, her head in the air, came Miss Macpherson. Rob felt his heart give a great thump, and then he grew cold as ice, for he knew, whether she wished to harm him or no, that his aunt was bound to recognize him.
Strange advanced to meet her.
"Mistress Macpherson," he said, "you remember me?"
"Aye," she replied drily, "I know ye fine, though we met last in more reputable circumstances."
"Alas!" he smiled, "duty is a hard master."
The Duke burst in at that.
"Madam," he cried, "ees zis boy known to you or nod?"