He finished, standing before me, white, and with quivering lips. As he ceased speaking, I could not help remembering that, at any rate, he had saved my life in all probability, and that which was far dearer to me than life, the honour of Dolores.
I turned to him.
"For the present," I said, as kindly as I could under the circumstances, "continue to do your duties, and I will consider what I must do."
"If I could only think you would give me another chance, sir——" he said, eagerly taking a step forward.
"I cannot promise," I said. "I must consider."
CHAPTER XVII
THE STEEL SAFE
Don Juan's conduct upon our arrival in London was both a revelation and a surprise to me.
First, following a custom, now long established for diplomatists, he put up at Claridge's.
From that famous hotel I had the pleasure of accompanying him at his request on a series of visits.