He was looking, even for him, particularly trim and smart, and he wore a carefully-selected pink rosebud in his buttonhole.

His greeting was almost cordial.

He gave me a few instructions, and then lit a cigarette.
"What is this about your resignation, Ducaine ?" he asked.
"I do not wish to resign, sir," I answered.

"I have explained certain circumstances to Colonel Ray, which it seemed to me might make my resignation necessary.

He promised to confer with Lord Cheisford, and let me know the result." The urbanity slowly faded from the Duke's face.
"I am your employer," he said coldly.