“I think,” he said at last, “that you are something wanting in respect.”
“There, at least your discernment is not at fault,” the Colonel answered him.
Deeper grew the Duke’s wonder. “Do you know who I am?” he asked, after another pause.
“I learnt it five minutes since.”
“But I thought you said that you did me a service once.”
“That was many years ago. And I did not know then your name. Your grace has probably forgotten.”
Because of the disdainful tone he took, he commanded the respect and attention of one who was a very master of disdain. Also the Duke’s curiosity was deeply stirred.
“Will you not assist my memory?” he invited, almost gently.
The Colonel laughed a little grimly. Then shaking the Duke’s still detaining grip without ceremony from his arm, he raised his hand, and holding back the light brown curls, revealed his left ear and the long ruby that adorned it.