The Duke turned and looked at him desperately, then suddenly and utterly broke down.
"I am guilty, sire!" he cried. "I betrayed you, and you know it!"
He fell into the chair beside him, and covered his white face with his quivering hands.
"Your generosity is more than I can endure," he gasped. "I have been a villain, and I have a bitter punishment!"
The King rose and looked at his minister. A heavy silence hung in the brilliantly firelit little chamber. The Duke was sobbing wretchedly.
William went slightly pale.
"Fenwick spoke the truth," cried Shrewsbury; "I have tampered with St. Germains——"
The King crossed over to the young man, and laid his thin, beautiful hand on the bowed shoulders.
"You are my friend," he said simply. "I trust you and wish to keep you with me. Nothing else, my dear lord, is of any matter."
Shrewsbury's answer came hoarsely.