“Heavens! The pendant!” cried Sonia, who was watching the scene with parted lips and amazed eyes.
Bernard dropped on his knees and clasped his hands.
“Forgive me!” he cried, in a choking voice. “Forgive me! Don’t tell any one! For God’s sake, don’t tell any one!”
And the tears came streaming from his eyes.
“You young rogue!” said the Duke quietly.
“I’ll never do it again—never! Oh, have pity on me! If my father knew! Oh, let me off!” cried Bernard.
The Duke hesitated, and looked down on him, frowning and pulling at his moustache. Then, more quickly than one would have expected from so careless a trifler, his mind was made up.
“All right,” he said slowly. “Just for this once ... be off with you.” And he jerked him to his feet and almost threw him into the outer hall.
“Thanks! ... oh, thanks!” said Bernard.
The Duke shut the door and looked at Sonia, breathing quickly.