He produced it and laid it upon the table.  I made no movement to take it.

“The details of your family history,” the Duke said, “are unknown to me.  But if the advice of an old man is in any way acceptable to you, I should strongly recommend you to accept any offer of friendship which Sir Michael may make.  He is an old man, and he is possessed of considerable wealth.  Further, I gather that you are his nearest relative.”

“Sir Michael was very cruel to my mother, sir,” I said slowly.

“You have nothing to gain by the harbouring of ancient grievances,” the Duke replied.  “I have always known Sir Michael as a just if a somewhat stern man.  Please, however, do not look upon me in any way as a would-be mediator.  My interest in this matter ceases with the delivery of that letter.”

The Duke rose to his feet.  I followed him to the door.

“In any case, sir,” I said, “I am very much obliged to you for your advice and for bringing me this letter.”

“By-the-bye,” the Duke said, pausing on the threshold, “I fear that we may lose the help of Colonel Ray upon the Council.  There are rumours of serious trouble in the Soudan, and if these are in any way substantiated, he will be certainly sent there.  Good afternoon, Mr. Ducaine.”

“Good afternoon, your Grace.”

So he left me, stiff, formal, having satisfied his conscience, though I felt in my heart that his opinion of me, once formed, was not likely to be changed.  Directly I was alone I opened my uncle’s letter.

“127, Grosvenor square,

“London, W.

“Dear Guy,—­

“It has been on my mind more than once during the last few years—­ever since, in fact, I heard of you at college—­to write and inform myself as to your prospects in life.  You are the son of my only sister, although I regret to say that you are the son also of a man who disgraced himself and his profession.  You have a claim upon me which you have made no effort to press.  Perhaps I do not think the worse of you for that.  In any case, I wish you to accept an allowance of which my lawyers will advise you, and if you will call upon me when you are in town I shall be glad to make your acquaintance.  I may say that it was a pleasure to me to learn that you have succeeded in obtaining a responsible and honourable post.

“I am, yours sincerely,

“Michael Trogoldy.”

I took pen and paper, and answered this letter at once.

“My dear sir Michael,—­

“As I am your nephew, and I understand, almost your nearest relative, I see no reason why I should not accept the allowance which you are good enough to offer me.  I shall also be glad to come and see you next time I am in London, if it is your wish.

“Yours sincerely,

“Guy Ducaine.”

Grooton brought in my tea, also a London morning paper which he had secured in the village.