The Duke was a cynical and worldly man enough, perhaps, as the times go, but he did not tell lies.

He plunged.
"My dear Countess," he said, facing towards her and stroking his whiskers, "I really know something about Dr.Claudius, and I will tell you all I am at liberty to tell; please do not ask me anything else.
Claudius is really gone to obtain papers from Heidelberg as well as for another purpose which I cannot divulge.

The papers might have been dispensed with, for I could have sworn to him." "Then the other object is the important one," said the Countess pensively.

The Duke was silent.

"I am greatly obliged to you," Margaret continued, "for what you have told me." "I will tell you what I can do," said the Englishman after a pause, during which an unusual expression in his face seemed to betoken thought.