He was a man who was munificent when his orders were obeyed, and inexorable when they miscarried.

No excuse availed with him.

An unlucky man was as abhorrent to him as a negligent one.

In this great crisis the king had trusted him with an all-important message, and that message had not been delivered.

What could save him now from disgrace and from ruin?
He cared nothing for the dim dungeon in which he found himself, nor for the uncertain fate which hung over his head, but his heart turned to lead when he thought of his blasted career, and of the triumph of those whose jealousy had been aroused by his rapid promotion.