I was quite overwhelmed.  I could only murmur my thanks.  The Duke went on to speak for a while on general matters, and then skilfully brought the conversation back again to myself and my own affairs.  Before I knew where I was I found myself subjected to a close and merciless cross-examination.  My youth, my college career, my subsequent adventures seemed all to be subjects of interest to him, and I, although every moment my bewilderment increased, answered him with the obedience of a schoolboy.

It came to an end at last.  I found myself confronted with a question which, if I had answered it truthfully, must have disclosed my penniless condition.  I rose instead to my feet.

“Your Grace will excuse me,” I said, “but I am taking up too much of your time.  It is not possible that these small personal details can be of any interest to you.”

He waved me back to my chair, which I did not, however, immediately resume.  I was not in the least offended.  The Duke’s manner throughout, and the framing of his questions, had been too tactful to awaken any resentment.  But I had no fancy for exposing my ill-luck and friendless state to any one.  I was democrat enough to feel that a cross-examination which would have been impertinent in anybody else was becoming a little too personal even from the Duke of Rowchester.

“Sit down, Mr. Ducaine,” he said.  “I do not blame you for resenting what seems to be curiosity, but you must take my word for it that it is nothing of the sort.  I can perhaps explain myself better by asking you still another sort of question.  Are you in a position to accept a post of some importance?”

I looked at him in surprise, as well I might.

“Sit down, Mr. Ducaine,” he repeated.  “I have said enough, I hope, to prove that I am not trifling with you.”

“You have managed, at any rate, to surprise me very much, your Grace,” I said.  “I am eager to receive employment of any sort.  May I ask what it was that you had in view?”

He shook his head slowly.

“I cannot tell you to-day,” he said.  “It is a matter upon which I should have to consult others.”

A sudden thought struck me.

“May I ask at whose suggestion you thought of me?” I asked.

“It was Colonel Ray who pointed out certain necessary qualifications which you possess,” the Duke answered.  “I shall report to him, and to some others, the result of our conversation, and I presume you have no objection to my making such inquiries as I think necessary concerning you?”

“None whatever,” I answered.

The Duke rose to his feet.  I took up my cap.

“If Colonel Ray is in,” I said, “and it is not inconvenient, I should be glad to see him for a moment.”

“Colonel Ray left unexpectedly by the first train this morning,” the Duke answered, looking at me keenly.

I gave no sign, but my heart sank.

“If it is anything important I can give you his address,” he remarked.