The duke opened the locket, looked long and steadfastly at the portrait, and shut it.

Then he went to the drawer again and returned with the counterparts.

He laid them side by side.

The likeness was perfect in all details.
"Carmichael," he said, "will you please help me?
My eyes are growing old.

Do I see these things, or do I not?
And if I do, which is mine, and what does this signify ?" The tremor in his voice was audible.
Grumbach answered.