“But your grace yourself has just said that they will not believe me.”
His grace paused in his pacing, and smiled a little slyly.
“They will not believe your unsupported word. But if some person of eminence and authority were to answer for your good faith, they would hardly dare to doubt; the matter would be at an end, and there would be no further question of any impeachment.”
Holles stared, suddenly hopeful, and yet not daring to yield entirely to his hope.
“Your grace does not mean that you ... that you would do this for me?”
His grace’s smile grew broader, kindlier. “But, of course, my friend. If I am to employ you, as I hope I shall, so much would be a necessary preliminary.”
“Your grace!” Holles bounded to his feet. “How to thank you?”
His grace waved him back again to his chair. “I will show you presently, my friend. There are certain conditions I must impose. There is a certain task I shall require of you.”
“Your grace should know that you have but to name it.”
“Ah!” The Duke paused, and again considered him intently. “You said in your letter that you were ready for any work, for any service.”