"It is of great matter to me that I have lost my honour——"
The King answered gently.
"While you say that, my lord Duke, you can have lost nothing——"
Shrewsbury would not speak or look up. William returned to his seat at the desk, and began turning over the papers before him. After a few minutes he said, with his eyes still on his letters—
"I have heard nothing—I know nothing—I trust you to continue in my service, my dear lord——"
The Duke sprang up and stood with his back to the fire.
"I cannot—I am not fit," he said desperately, yet with resolution.
William flashed a glance over his shoulder.
"Will you not serve England, then?" he cried, with a deep note in his voice, and waited for the answer, gazing brilliantly at the haggard young man.
"No—no," muttered Shrewsbury. "I am broken—I am not fit——"